Role of Stereotype Threat, Leadership Aspiration and Work from Home in Gender Gap in Leadership: A Study of the Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions in Pakistani higher education institutions (HEIs), where women hold only 4.5% of leadership positions. Despite comprising nearly half of the population and labor force, women tend to pursue teaching careers due to domestic and caregiving responsibilities. Male faculty members predominantly occupy leadership positions in HEIs, which creates stereotype threats and obstacles for female faculty members. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation by increasing domestic and family responsibilities for women. The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional design to collect data from 329 Ph.D. female faculty members working in Pakistani HEIs. The findings offer insights into individual and organisational factors impacting the gender gap in leadership positions and suggest potential remedies to increase the number of women in leadership positions in Pakistani HEIs.