Gender issues in management promotions in Malawi's health services.

A descriptive research design was used to explore comparative patterns of promotion for female and male managers in Malawi's health care services. It was also attempted to identify factors perceived by managers themselves as being significant for enhancing or impeding promotions. A total of 150 respondents from middle and top management levels in Malawi's health care services completed questionnaires. Results indicated that females were under represented at middle and top management levels; but over represented at lower (operational) management levels. Both males and females experienced management promotion problems with unclear, inconsistent and unfair administration of promotion policies. Malawi's promotion policy within the health care sector should be revised and its implementation monitored to ensure equal promotion opportunities at all management levels, irrespective of gender.