Role Conflict and Coping Strategies of Women Managers in Higher Education in Kerala

The study aims to identify the effect of role conflict of women managers in the higher education field of Kerala and the various coping strategies used by these women to overcome the role conflict. The sample consists of 150 women managers from three Universities of Kerala, working as HOD's, Principals of various affiliated colleges and University Departments, Administrative staff like Assistant Registrars, Deputy Registrars and Joint Registrars. Data regarding role conflict and coping strategies were collected using specifically developed scales. Analysis of the data revealed that all of the women managers experience dual role conflict with variations in the extent of stress. To manage the work family conflict, women were found to use all types of coping strategies mentioned in the scale, which fall under three types according to Hall's typologies viz. structural redefinition, personal redefinition and reactive role behaviour. Those who use the coping methods falling under structural redefinition by sharing their responsibilities among colleagues and family members were found to have the lowest role conflict. Those who use the reactive role behaviour type strategies by acting as ̀super women' were experiencing the highest role conflict.