Exploring the glass ceiling factors for females in the it industry of pakistan
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Date
2018
Authors
Fatima Idrees
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
UMT Lahore
Abstract
Despite making up 48% of the population, women in Pakistan represent only 24% of the workforce according to World Bank’s report of 2014. The number of females in the top management is even lower forming only 3% of the participation. This lack of participation in the upper tiers is hindered by certain barriers. The elusive barriers that obstruct the career growth of women to the top of the organizational hierarchy are symbolized by the term coined as “glass ceiling”.
This study explores the factors that constitute this glass ceiling for females in Pakistan IT industry. A sample of 50 females working in IT sector from various cities of Pakistan were collected using purposive sampling. Focus group discussion was conducted to gain insights that were used to form questions for getting data the respondents in the form of a questionnaire survey. In addition, 3 male CEOs were also interviewed for cross checking of the gathered data. Results are discussed under three categories i.e. the individual/personal, cultural and organizational issues acting as deterrents for females’ professional advancement in the IT sector. The most commonly identified barrier being the mindset of the male members of the society that impedes females from progressing smoothly. Discrimination in the organization and lack of opportunities follow as the second most common; whereas lack of confidence and emotional stability on part of the female form the personal barriers.