Impact of Glass Ceiling on Women Career Development

Abstract

The study was focused on the impact of the glass ceiling on women career development in the IT Sector of Sri Lanka. The study and conceptual framework were designed based on the previous literature. Women in the IT industry encounter a glass ceiling and decide to concentrate more on the lower-level positions. This study depicts the glass ceiling factors that affect women career development in the IT industry of Sri Lanka. The study was aimed at identifying the impact of the glass ceiling on women career development of XYZ Software Development Company in Sri Lanka focusing on the managerial level employees. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire dispatched through online platforms. The sample consisted of 90 employees of XYZ Software Development Company. Hypotheses of this study have been tested on the Scientific method. Findings revealed that Coworker Influence, Role Complexity, Gender Stereotyping, and Work-Life conflicts have a positive relationship with women career development. The study provides recommendations for the organizations to mitigate the effect of the glass ceiling available for female employees and to facilitate women career development.