Perceived 'Glass Ceiling' Dimensions of Women's Career Advancement at Higher Education Institutions: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Abstract

Over the last few decades, the Indian higher education sector is witnessing a significant rise in the number of women in faculty positions. However, their career progression in the academic hierarchy appears to be slow. They tend to remain concentrated toward entry-level positions. The present study aims to identify the perceived 'Glass Ceiling' barriers hindering the career advancement of women faculty members at higher education institutions (HEIs). Secondly, this study attempts to find the impact of perceived 'Glass Ceiling' barriers on the career advancement of women faculty members at HEIs. Using a purposive sampling method, responses from 252 women faculty members designated as assistant professors, associate professors, and professors at HEIs of Jaipur City (Rajasthan, India) were collected through a structured questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis has been applied to identify the 'Glass Ceiling' barriers, followed by a structural equation model using AMOS to study the impact of the barriers on career advancement. The findings of the study exhibit barriers recognized as gender stereotypes, attitudinal aversions, family and organizational factors which create a 'glass ceiling' effect for women and restrict them to rise in their career progression. The identification of multiple barriers offers a substantial contribution to the policymakers of Indian HEIs.