Barriers to the success of female leaders in the hospitality industry

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research analyses gender equality in the hospitality industry in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In particular, this quantitative study focuses on women who could potentially occupy a senior management position, and therefore the aim of this research is to identify the main factors that influence female employees’ choice in a non-senior managerial role to advance in their career. With this intention, a sample of 515 women was selected to complete an online questionnaire. Not all the findings are in line with the previous literature, e.g. most factors identified as a barrier for women’s career progression are not considered as such by most women in this study. On the other hand, different techniques that are recognised as beneficial for women career advancement are in line with the female employees’ thoughts. Hospitality businesses are advised to put into action the constructive methods derived from the findings of this study, such as flexible working hours and talent development programmes, in order to increase gender equality as well as to create more opportunities for women who want to reach senior management positions.