Rethinking Women in Leadership in the Contemporary Workplace.

Abstract

Given the progression of women into labor market, growing concern over improved diversity in the workplace, and legislation advocating for equal opportunities for women and men, it remained a mystery why the opportunity of women into top leadership positions remains limited and why the narrative of ‘think manager think men is becoming a norm. The overarching objective of this paper is to review women in leadership positions in the contemporary workplace. This paper is conceptual in nature and based on extensive review of literature. The paper noted that women experience stumbling blocks that are becoming too tough to break and the obstructions are founded not on lack educational of qualifications, and requisite job experience, but prejudices connected to cultural, societal, organizational, individual, and situational impediments. The paper concludes that women have progressed slightly into leadership roles, but the gap is still much wider. The study recommends expanded opportunity for women into networks and gain sponsorship as a way of climbing into leadership positions. In addition, there is need for inclusive gender policy towards improving women career progression in the workplace. Keywords: Gender, Glass ceiling; Leadership, Career progression, Discrimination.