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The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the glass ceiling exists in organisations located in Durban. The study specifically concentrated on the barriers to the upward mobility of women, based on constructs such as social roles, personal characteristics and situational barriers. The study was intended to provide guidelines to South African organisations on how to facilitate the growth of women in senior management.

This study comprises a literature review which outlines the various theories related to the glass ceiling and is supported by an empirical study which tested some of the concepts that emerged from the literature. A survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to a group of women who met the respondent specifications. In order to obtain a larger sample, snowball sampling was used.

It is evident that certain elements of the glass ceiling existed. Situational factors emerged as clear barriers to the progress of women which included gender discrimination, lack of respect from male colleagues and insensitive handling of the multiple roles played by women. Social roles such as family commitment and relocation also inhibited the growth of the respondents. At a personal level, the respondents were all confident, emotionally suited to progress, competitive and enjoyed the confidence of their subordinates.

A larger sample would have ensured more generalisable results to organisations in Durban. Respondents had to evaluate their personal characteristics, which could have been exaggerated; the views of subordinates would present a more balanced view. This study needs to be replicated in other major centres in South Africa, in order to improve the gender equity across the country.

The study highlights the fact that unless all barriers are removed, women will not progress to higher levels in organisations. It also provides guidelines to break through the invisible barriers.

This study will benefit women in the workplace, giving them due recognition, empowerment and prospects for upward mobility.

This paper highlights localised barriers to the advancement of women within a South African city.

This study follows up a study examining the effectiveness of Internet marketing, which found that only 22.6 per cent of respondents banked online. This study aims to determine respondents' reasons for not banking online, and to develop strategies for banks to get people banking online. A sample of 369 consumers was drawn from two universities in Kwazulu‐Natal. Universities were chosen because they are an untapped e‐commerce market segment. Employees at universities fit the profile of typical Internet users. Data were collected using a Web‐based questionnaire. Statistical analysis revealed that more males used Internet banking than females. Automated telling machine usage was far greater than Internet banking usage. A large percentage of Internet bankers used the service for inter‐account transfers and checking balances/statements. Security was the prime issue for those not banking online. Potential customers wanted guaranteed safety and loyalty rewards to get them to bank online. Internet banking has the potential to grow amongst tertiary institution employees.