The Effect of Gender on Perception of Glass Ceiling, Mediated by SRO and Attitude toward Women as Managers

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research paper is to determine the effect of Gender on Perception of Glass Ceiling, mediated by Sex Role Orientation and Attitude towards Women as Managers. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was floated to 189 B-School students via email and social networking sights, out of which a total of 153 responses were collected and analyzed. The respondents were surveyed on their Sex Role Orientation, Attitude towards Women as Managers and Perception of Glass Ceiling. Available scales were used to measure each of these constructs. Findings: Sex Role Orientation fully mediated Gender in relation to Perception of Glass Ceiling. However Attitude towards Women as Manager does not have any effect on Perception of Glass Ceiling or Gender. Moreover SRO has a greater effect on Perception of Glass Ceiling than Gender has. It is also seen that females have a higher SRO i.e., a more modern outlook than men who have a lower value of SRO i.e., a more traditional outlook. It is also seen that higher the value of SRO, lower is the perception of glass ceiling and that females have a lower perception of glass ceiling as compared to males. Research limitations/implications: The sample space of respondents was limited to MBA School students. It does not take into account the respondents’ work experience. The current study could therefore only provide tentative conclusions. Practical implications: Once the factors affecting Perception of Glass Ceiling are determined, organizations can work accordingly to eliminate this perception of glass ceiling among its employees. Originality/value: This research has been done in the Indian Context. The scales we used to determine SRO and Perception of Glass Ceiling were designed specifically for the Indian Context. Since SRO differs widely from country to country, this research will enable us to find the link between Gender and Perception of Glass Ceiling specifically in the Indian context.