Barriers and Biases: A case study of women’s experiences of underrepresentation at senior management levels.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Essay/Thesis: 30 hp Programme: Strategic Human Resource Management and Labor Relations Level: Masters /Second Cycle Semester/year: Spring /2017 Supervisor: Gabriella Elgenius Examiner: Report No: Key words: barriers, challenges, experiences, senior management, gender inequalities, under representation. Purpose: The main focus question of this study is to investigate and identify the challenges and barriers that female employees face in being promoted to senior management roles. The researcher will ascertain barriers and challenges women perceive and identify the key issues that females’ employees claim to be the reason for the low number of women in senior roles. Theory: In this studythe dynamics of reproduction of gender inequalities were analyzed by looking at macro and micro perspective. Rutherford's model of gendered organizational cultures and institutional theory was used to explain the dynamics of reproduction of gender inequalities within a workplace from a macro-perspective. At a micro perspective, the study looked at the role of social relationships between people and positions within organizational contexts as direct causes of inequalities. Method: Qualitative case study in a global context with semi-structured in-depth interviews. Results: Traditional view of women, the different style of leadership, gender stereotypes, unconscious bias, sexual harassment and lack of confidence are the perceived challenges and barriers reported by female employees hold them back from promoting to senior management positions and are been shaped by socio-cultural differences.