Abstract

Glass ceiling is a set of unseen factors which adversely affect females upward career growth and prevent them to get to top positions. This study is meant to explore existence of glass ceiling in public universities of Lahore (Pakistan); and factors responsible for creating this glass ceiling effect. The respondents of this study are females heading different departments in their respective universities. The results of this study show that different cultural and social, family and organizational barriers adversely affect female's career growth and make them work in lower subordinate positions despite having suitable qualifications and experiences. The significance of this study comes from the fact that it investigates this issue by taking empirical evidence of those females who personally faced glass ceiling and managed to make their ways to occupy top positions in their respective departments.

Keywords:

Career growth, gender discrimination, glass ceiling, women leadership,

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Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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