The Strategies of Turkish Female Managers to Break Glass Ceiling

Abstract

The number of female employees in the business world is increasing daily; however, managerial positions have disadvantages. They are not significantly represented in corporate leadership positions. The fragile and transparent but real barrier that prevents qualified women from advancing to senior management positions has been conceptualised as the glass ceiling in the literature. This study aims to identify and conceptualise Turkish female managers' strategies to break the glass ceiling through the qualitative research method within the framework of elements that create a glass ceiling, such as gender discrimination and gender prejudices in society, organisational culture, some female-specific behavioural faults, personal compromises and encouragers for a career. Content analysis of the interviews conducted with senior female managers was carried out using the MAXQDA software program. As a result of the study, it has been determined that Turkish female managers apply different strategies in three areas: work-life and family balance, professional life, and career path. These are inspiring strategies for women at all management levels, which they can use to advance their career paths. Among these strategies, the approach that the organisation can support will also be a guide for human resources management practitioners, managers and leaders, and organisational structure and culture designers.