Glass Ceiling Research Articles

Breaking the glass ceiling in banking: the impact of female directors, digitalization, and income diversification on financial stability

Purpose This study aims to analyze the impact of board gender diversity (BGD) on a bank’s financial stability. Moreover, it also examines whether digitalization and income diversification act as mediators (individual and serial) in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses were tested using data from Pakistan’s banking sector financial statements from 2017 to 2021. A two-step analytical approach was used: panel regression in STATA for initial hypothesis examination, followed by mediation analyses using bootstrapping in SPSS. In addition, mixed-effect ML regression was conducted to verify causation and ensure robust findings. Findings Results demonstrate that BGD, digitalization and income diversification are positively associated with higher financial stability. Moreover, as hypothesized, both digitalization and income diversification individually and sequentially mediate the relationship between BGD and banks’ financial stability. Research limitations/implications It is important to acknowledge the study’s limited five-year timeframe. Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal board compositions, especially considering the study’s inclusion of up to 25% female directors on boards. Practical implications Policymakers and top management should prioritize increasing the number of female directors on boards for diversity. Banks that involve female directors can benefit from the synergies between gender diversity and digitization, along with the unique perspectives these women offer. This cooperative dynamic enables banks to explore and capitalize on innovative income diversification opportunities, enter new markets and ensure financial stability. Social implications Research findings emphasize promotion of gender equality and meritocracy through increased female director representation. This fosters a more inclusive and cooperative decision-making culture, benefiting individual banks and setting a model for other sectors. Ultimately, it contributes to greater social acceptance of women executives. Originality/value The study reveals a novel mechanism, emphasizing the revolutionary impact of active female directors in tandem with digitalization, amplifying chances for income diversification and accelerating increased bank viability.

Glass Ceiling Among Female Managers and Its Impact on Well-Being at Work

Despite governmental attempts in years to significantly encourage and support legislation aimed at gender diversities in the workplace, women have continued to be notably underrepresented in leadership roles. Women have typically held lower-level leadership positions than men, and there is little supporting evidence that women are appropriately executed in decision-making positions. Such a phenomenon is commonly called the 'glass ceiling', highlighting that achieving fair representation in management boards remains challenging for women. While the glass ceiling has become a popular research topic, only some theoretical models have tried to comprehend this social phenomenon and its implications for social change. Therefore, this study aims to provide a further understanding of the glass ceiling and its consequences. Drawing on the theory of conservation of resources, this study investigates sequencing relationships among glass ceiling, work-to-family conflict, and well-being at work. The mass survey was distributed among female managers at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. There were 275 valid cases for descriptive and inferential analysis with partial least square structural equation modelling. It reveals three main findings, including significant sequencing relationships among glass ceiling, work-to-family conflict, and intention to quit with positive impacts; a significantly positive causal relationship between the glass ceiling and intention to quit; and work-to-family conflicts as a significant mediator intervening causal relationship between glass ceiling and intention to quit. This study may bring theoretical and practical implications on the glass ceiling among female managers at work.

The Glass Ceiling in Global Health: Perspectives of Female and Male Anesthesiologists.

Gender equity is essential for improving health outcomes globally. Despite comprising 75% of the global health workforce and dominating academic global health programs, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions in global health organizations. Our study aimed to identify potential gender differences in the beliefs and attitudes regarding barriers that women anesthesiologists encounter in pursuing careers and leadership roles in global health and to identify recommendations for improving gender equity in global health. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey focusing on career leadership opportunities and challenges uniquely faced by women clinicians in global health. We obtained permission from the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists to distribute our questionnaire to their leadership committee members during 2 months (May-July 2022). The questionnaire was distributed to 164 study participants with 67 individuals (44.8% female) based in 38 different countries completing the survey (response rate 40.9%). Overall, 47.8% of the participants aspired to a leadership position in global health and 58.2% agreed women face unique barriers to global health leadership (70.0% of women compared to 48.6% of men; P = .081). Female gender (odds ratio [OR], 19.22, P = .004) and divorced marital status (OR, 746.26, P = .004) were positively associated and African ethnicity (OR, 0.002, P = .017) was negatively associated with the perception of gender bias in their career growth. The main challenges included balancing work and family responsibilities, lack of female mentors or role models, gender-based discrimination, and limited opportunities for career advancement. Men acknowledged these challenges but reported personally experiencing them to a lesser extent, particularly concerning lack of opportunities (P = .005), inadequate pay (P = .000), and lack of training (P = .000). Gender disparities exist in the pursuit of global health careers. This study underscored that more women than men perceive barriers in pursuing leadership roles in global health and that men generally encounter these obstacles to a lesser extent. Female representation in leadership positions could be supported through evidence-informed policies that promote work-life balance, improve mentorship, offer equal opportunities for career advancement and adequate pay, and combat gender-based discrimination.

Effects of Macro Fibers on Crack Opening Reduction in Fiber Reinforced Concrete Overlays.

Macro fibers have been extensively used in the construction of various concrete structures, including bridges, dams, tunnels, industrial floors, and pavements. However, their effectiveness in reducing crack opening widths in concrete pavements has not been fully explored. This study aims to delineate the role of fibers by identifying the optimal types and volumes for effectively controlling cracks in concrete pavement structures, particularly in thin overlays. The research investigates how different fiber types, such as synthetic and steel, and their respective volumes can mitigate crack propagation in concrete overlays. Additionally, it evaluates the performance of fiber-reinforced concrete overlays compared to conventional dowel bar systems in terms of crack width reduction and overall pavement durability. The findings aim to provide specific design criteria for incorporating macro fibers in concrete overlays to enhance structural integrity and longevity.

A Vibration and Crack Assessment on Precast Pre-stressed Hollow-Core Floor

Hollow core concrete floors are usually used in high-rise buildings, shopping malls and parking garages due to their sustainability advantage in the construction industry. However, in certain conditions, hollow core concrete floors can be sensitive towards vibration due to long span. The floor vibration issue is crucial and must be managed properly during the building design phase, as addressing this issue becomes significantly more challenging after the structure has been constructed completely. Thus, this study aims to determine the vibration and crack behaviour of precast hollow core concrete floors. 3D finite element models of the floor were developed using SAP2000 software to obtain the vibration parameters of the hollow core concrete floor subjected to vehicle-induced vibration. The specifications of the floor materials are based on the hollow core concrete floor manufacturer, Eastern Pretech, and the acceleration time history from testing was applied to the analysis. Modal analysis and time history analysis were analysed to investigate the vibration behaviour of the hollow core concrete floor. Modal analysis revealed a fundamental frequency of 23.52 Hz for the floor with actual dimensions. The fundamental frequency of the floor was compared to the standard guideline for human vibration sensitivity, which is 10 Hz. Time history analysis was employed to assess floor deformation based on the vibration waves generated by vehicle movement on the floor.The crack assessment analysis on concrete topping of precast hollow core slab in the warehouse flooring system was carried out. The cracks that appeared on the concrete topping were investigated using vibration testing and finite element analysis. Acceleration data from the damaged area was captured and transformed into the frequency domain using ME’Scope to analyse the natural frequency behaviour. The preliminary finite element analysis was performed by SAP 2000 software. Normal attenuation was observed on the surface with a crack at 50 mm, as the pattern of the time series data at this location was similar to other sensor positions. Analysis of the frequency domain of the wave confirmed this observation, revealing a dominant frequency of 23.741 Hz and no abnormal event occurred during testingon the surface crack.

Book Review: Stained Glass Ceilings: How Evangelicals Do Gender and Practice Power by Lisa Weaver Swartz

Book Review: Stained Glass Ceilings: How Evangelicals Do Gender and Practice Power by Lisa Weaver Swartz

Navigating the academic Labyrinth: describing the landscape of women faculty in hospitality higher education

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to describe faculty women’s perspectives of the workplace environment in hospitality higher education.Design/methodology/approachFemale faculty members in hospitality (n = ∼50) completed an online survey about their beliefs about women’s experiences, advancement characteristics the glass ceiling and gender equity.FindingsRespondents concurred that being self-directed, assertive and a risk-taker were essential; leadership is the most important characteristic for advancement and the glass ceiling is prevalent and prominent. It may be assumed that the milieu of academia would be free or freer of the glass ceiling, but research, including this study, suggests otherwise. Glass ceilings persist even in organizations with explicit policies promoting equality in advancement. Research participants identified raising awareness about the glass ceiling and its presence within academic institutions as crucial. However, for initiatives to be effective, they must be supported authentically and unwaveringly by top administrators, including both male and female leaders.Originality/valueThe findings underscore both progress and persisting disparities, shedding light on the need for targeted efforts to improve inclusivity and gender equity within academia in hospitality management. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on fostering a more diverse and equitable landscape in higher education, particularly within the field of hospitality.

Lifting Women Up: Gender Quotas and the Advancement of Women on Corporate Boards

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueThe introduction of gender quotas on corporate boards can disrupt the status quo, resulting in externalities that affect women's advancement within the company. This study investigates whether boardroom quotas contribute to promoting women further up the corporate ladder and facilitate access to a broader spectrum of positions.Research Findings/InsightsUsing legislative changes in Germany as a natural experiment, we find that quotas increase female representation on affected boards. However, quotas may also have adverse effects on women's executive careers; they fall short of eliminating the glass ceiling and fail to level the playing field for women, both inside and outside the firm.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe incentives provided by the quota to hire female candidates for a mandated board may hinder their prospects for advancement to executive roles. Drawing from institutional theory, we interpret this as evidence of decoupling—firms comply with the law but do not necessarily change their stance on gender diversity at the top. Additionally, when women accessing the board have backgrounds more closely aligned with executive positions (proxied by their affiliation with the capital side of the board), the negative effect on the non‐affected executive board is larger. This suggests a substitution effect, whereby women enter nonexecutive positions instead of pursuing executive careers.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsPolicy design needs to consider the desired outcomes and unintended effects, carefully weighing the trade‐offs among them. Relying solely on quotas is insufficient to achieve gender equality in corporations.

Ivory tower in MD/PhD programmes: sticky floor, broken ladder and glass ceiling

ObjectiveAchieving gender equity in academic medicine is not only a matter of social justice but also necessary in promoting an innovative and productive academic community. The purpose of this study...

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Leveraging Signals for Female Career Advancement in Creative Occupations

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Leveraging Signals for Female Career Advancement in Creative Occupations

SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING Women’s Roles and Images in Iranian Architectural Magazines (1946-2001)

This paper examines the evolution of Iranian architectural magazines, focusing on discernible shifts in the involvement and portrayal of women during three distinct periods spanning from 1946 to 2001. From 1946 to 1969, female contributions to the magazines were markedly scarce initially, with depictions limited to non-progressive representations of women in traditional roles and endorsements directed towards the Queen. Along with the modern cultural initiatives of the Pahlavi state in the 1970s, the magazines transitioned from a prior disregard for female figures to occasionally recognising them as equally capable professionals. In contrast to this shift and the gradual growth in the number of educated and professional women before and after the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic embarked on a systematic effort to marginalise women and censor their images from public view. Challenging the post-revolutionary moments of limitation and censorship, few charismatic figures succeeded in redefining their roles and images in architectural magazines, especially after the revivals of 1991 and 1998 that were marked by the publication of two ground-breaking magazines. This study, supported by a comprehensive historical review, employs Theo van Leeuwen’s discourse analysis, revealing the intricate interplay of four discursive strategies in shaping women’s representation in Iranian architectural magazines across the three periods. The text underscores the impact of pre- and post-revolutionary societal and political changes. It highlights how the resilience of Iranian women led to an unprecedented redefinition of female professional roles in the 1990s.

Ageism and glass ceiling: barriers to advancement for women in Turkish banking

Ageism and glass ceiling: barriers to advancement for women in Turkish banking

Association of Good Dairy Farming Practices, Welfare and Performance: A Review

This review underscores the critical role of good dairy farming practices in enhancing both animal welfare and dairy performance. International organizations like the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and country-specific protocols emphasize the need for tailored Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure effective and contextually appropriate practices. Advanced housing systems for calves, such as pair and group housing, have shown significant benefits in improving social interaction, cognitive development, and overall health. Effective pain management, particularly during procedures like disbudding, and optimized feeding strategies, including appropriate feed delivery timing and frequency, are crucial for enhancing health and productivity. Proper flooring, such as rubber mats, significantly improves cow comfort by providing a softer surface that reduces the risk of lameness and injuries associated with concrete floors. Effective pen management helps to mitigate dominance issues and minimize stress, leading to better welfare and productivity. Gentle handling practices, involving positive interactions like patting and stroking, significantly enhance animal welfare and milk production compared to aversive methods. Addressing issues such as mold and mycotoxins in feed is also essential for maintaining animal health and avoiding adverse effects on growth and milk production. Overall, adopting comprehensive dairy farming practices that prioritize animal welfare not only improves health and reduces stress but also leads to increased dairy productivity and sustainability, highlighting the interdependence of welfare and performance in the dairy industry.

Effects of household concrete floors on maternal and child health - the CRADLE trial: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

Early life soil-transmitted helminth infection and diarrhea are associated with growth faltering, anemia, impaired child development, and mortality. Exposure to fecally contaminated soil inside the home may be a key contributor to enteric infections, and a large fraction of rural homes in low-income countries have soil floors. The objective of this study is to measure the effect of installing concrete floors in homes with soil floors on child soil-transmitted helminth infection and other maternal and child health outcomes in rural Bangladesh. The Cement-based flooRs AnD chiLd hEalth (CRADLE) trial is an individually randomised trial in Sirajganj and Tangail districts, Bangladesh. Households with a pregnant woman, a soil floor, walls that are not made of mud will be eligible, and no plan to relocate for 3 years. We will randomise 800 households to intervention or control (1:1) within geographic blocks of 10 households to account for strong geographic clustering of enteric infection. Laboratory staff and data analysts will be blinded; participants will be unblinded. We will install concrete floors when the birth cohort is in utero and measure outcomes at child ages 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome is prevalence of any soil-transmitted helminth infection (Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, or Trichuris trichiura) detected by qPCR at 6, 12, 18, or 24 months follow-up in the birth cohort. Secondary outcomes include household floor and child hand contamination with E. coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli, and soil-transmitted helminth DNA; child diarrhea, growth, and cognitive development; and maternal stress and depression. Study protocols have been approved by institutional review boards at Stanford University and the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). We will report findings on ClinicalTrials.gov, in peer-reviewed publications, and in stakeholder workshops in Bangladesh. NCT05372068, pre-results.

On the Magnification of Small Biases in Hiring

ABSTRACTWe analyze a setting in which a board must hire a chief executive officer (CEO) after exerting effort to learn about the quality of each candidate. Optimal effort is asymmetric, implying asymmetric likelihoods of each candidate being chosen. If the board has an infinitesimal bias in favor of one candidate, it allocates effort to maximize the likelihood of that candidate being chosen. Even when the board's prior is that its preferred candidate is inferior, she may still be chosen most often. A glass ceiling can also arise whereby the tendency to hire favored candidates increases as the importance of the position increases.

Cracks in the Glass Ceiling—Except for Pregnant Surgery Residents

Cracks in the Glass Ceiling—Except for Pregnant Surgery Residents

Devaluing and Revaluing Women: A Feminist Approach to Chandra Prakash Baniya's Maharani [Queen

Chandra Prakash Baniya's Maharani [Queen] is a telling tale of women's exploitation and their glass ceiling in a male dominated society. The novel depicts how women are either risen to the pedestal of ‘Goddess’ or devalued to the position of a ‘whore’, but never given a genuine respect. By aggrandizing or derogating the status of women, the patriarchal society has always subordinated, subjugated, and exploited them. The scenario of deprivation of women from attaining their rights is the main concern of the novelist. He suggests that the prevalence of biased treatment for women in every sphere - social, economic, political, literary - is rampant, and from getting secondary position to being thwarted to grow is an unfortunate fate meted out to women in this male-dominated society. Patriarchy, therefore, has become a clog in the route of women's progress. The present paper aims at exploring the pathetic condition of women in the novel, discussing how women become the victim of glass ceiling in a social labyrinth created by males. To address this objective, the study has employed feminism as a tool to examine the condition of women, especially drawing the concept of glass ceiling of women from Judith Butler to interpret the text.

Articulating the Collective Immigrant Experience in Canada: The Boat People and Shut Up, You’re Pretty

ABSTRACT Exploring the ideology behind merit-based immigration policy in Canada, the paper discusses the collective immigrant experience in the works of two contemporary Canadian female authors, Shut up You’re Pretty (2019) by Congo-born Tea Mutonji, and the novel inspired by the refugee crises since the 1970s, The Boat People (2018) by Sharon Bala. The introductory part problematizes the historically discriminatory immigration policies, and explores the position of the immigrant in contemporaneity, in the process of integration through performatives shaped by the counternarratives of multiculturalism. The analysis of the specific characters’ narratives in these works explores the connection between the personal, subjective, and the collective within the groups of immigrants, refugees and born Canadians to whom Canadianness features as an unattainable goal located behind the glass ceiling. In the concluding remarks, the paper summarizes how these contemporary female authors expose the hypocritical, pragmatic and shifting nature of the multicultural narrative.

From Glass Ceilings to Harassment: Women's Experiences in Spanish Sports Newsrooms

ABSTRACT Since its origins, women have been underrepresented in all areas of sports journalism. They are “outsiders” according to their gender, but “insiders” according to their adherence to journalistic norms and values. In Spain, sports journalism has also historically been configured as a tough environment for women to develop professionally without being belittled and/or discriminated. This research aims to identify women journalists’ perceptions about their roles in sports newsrooms. This investigation looks for meanings instead of numbers, and it is interested in how women sports journalists perceive their experiences and how they understand and interpret these experiences. The study has a qualitative approach, with semi-structured interviews conducted with ten journalists from various Spanish media. The results reveal, among other issues, that (a) women journalists suffer harassment, (b) the “glass ceiling” limits access to leadership positions, and (c) the sports journalism field continues to be conditioned by stereotypical and discriminatory views.

Shattering the glass ceiling: Female leadership and acquisitiveness in family and nonfamily firms

This research investigates the impact of female CEOs on mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in family and nonfamily firms. With a sample of 165 Italian listed companies engaged in M&As from 2011 to 2016, the study explores whether CEO gender impacts on firm's acquisitiveness in family and nonfamily firms. Findings indicate that having a female CEO is associated with lower acquisitiveness overall. However, this trend is not consistently observed in family firms, challenging conventional assumptions. This research contributes to understanding the nuanced dynamics of female leadership and M&As, shedding light on the role of CEO gender in distinct ownership contexts.