Research Article

A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome

Volume: 3 Number: 1 April 30, 2025
TR EN

A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome

Abstract

In this research, we aim to address the glass ceiling syndrome arising from inequalities in business due to individual and environmental pressures, focusing on understanding the barriers women employees face in advancing their careers. The theoretical framework is based on theories that explain gender dynamics, including gender role conformity, human capital, statistical discrimination, career ladder barriers, social exclusion, social closure, and gendered organizations. Mismatched preferences, conflict, boundary management, attribution biases, stereotypes, feminist approaches, and capability-based theories also support this framework. A country-specific analysis was conducted by examining the history of women’s labor force participation. Using convenience sampling, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 white-collar female bank employees across 16 banks. Content analysis was used to explore the perceptions of female employees regarding the glass ceiling in the sector. The primary challenges hindering women’s advancement include stereotypical perceptions, sticky floors rooted in social roles, mismatched aspirations, ageism, communication conflicts, managerial biases based on marital status, and discomfort in the workplace. Future-oriented solutions are provided by exploring root causes. Managers must recognize that motherhood does not inherently impede women’s professional capabilities. Comprehensive training and awareness programs are crucial for management and female employees to address the sticky floor phenomenon.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Işık Üniversitesi

Ethical Statement

The researchers have applied for an ethics committee approval for this study. They have an equal contribution to the article.

References

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  4. Aksoy, Numan (2018). “Cam Tavanın Ötesi: Akademisyen Azınlıklar-Ankara ve İstanbul Örneği”, Başkent Üniversitesi Ticari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi, 2 (2): 74-95.
  5. Aksoy, Nagihan, Şencan Felek, Nihal Yayla, İsmail Çeviş (2019). “Türkiye’de Kadın İstihdamı ve Etkileyen Faktörler”, Journal of Management and Economics Research, 17 (3): 146-163.
  6. Aksu, Pelit S., Ayten Şentürk Erenel (2021). “Çalışma Yaşantısındaki Engeller: Cam Tavan ve Kadın Sağlığına Yansıması”, Türkiye Klinikleri Obstetric-Women’s Health and Diseases Nursing-Special Topics, 7 (2): 18-25.
  7. Albar, Banu Ö. (2019). “Kadınlara Yönelik Ayrımcılık”, Sosyal Araştırmalar ve Davranış Bilimleri, 5 (8): 274-286.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Policy and Administration (Other), Women's Studies, Sociology (Other), Learning, Motivation and Emotion

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 30, 2025

Submission Date

March 23, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 21, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 3 Number: 1

APA
Dönmez, S., & Tuncay Çelikel, A. (2025). A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome. Social Review of Technology and Change, 3(1), 64-96. https://izlik.org/JA23HA49ZT
AMA
1.Dönmez S, Tuncay Çelikel A. A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome. Social Review of Technology and Change. 2025;3(1):64-96. https://izlik.org/JA23HA49ZT
Chicago
Dönmez, Sena, and Aslı Tuncay Çelikel. 2025. “A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking Regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome”. Social Review of Technology and Change 3 (1): 64-96. https://izlik.org/JA23HA49ZT.
EndNote
Dönmez S, Tuncay Çelikel A (April 1, 2025) A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome. Social Review of Technology and Change 3 1 64–96.
IEEE
[1]S. Dönmez and A. Tuncay Çelikel, “A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome”, Social Review of Technology and Change, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 64–96, Apr. 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA23HA49ZT
ISNAD
Dönmez, Sena - Tuncay Çelikel, Aslı. “A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking Regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome”. Social Review of Technology and Change 3/1 (April 1, 2025): 64-96. https://izlik.org/JA23HA49ZT.
JAMA
1.Dönmez S, Tuncay Çelikel A. A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome. Social Review of Technology and Change. 2025;3:64–96.
MLA
Dönmez, Sena, and Aslı Tuncay Çelikel. “A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking Regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome”. Social Review of Technology and Change, vol. 3, no. 1, Apr. 2025, pp. 64-96, https://izlik.org/JA23HA49ZT.
Vancouver
1.Sena Dönmez, Aslı Tuncay Çelikel. A Qualitative Study of Women Employees in Banking regarding the Context of Gender Inequality and the Glass Ceiling Syndrome. Social Review of Technology and Change [Internet]. 2025 Apr. 1;3(1):64-96. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA23HA49ZT