Nineteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Although women have enrolled and graduated at higher rates than men in every collegiate degree (associates, bachelors, masters, doctorate) since 1988, worldwide, women only hold 25 percent of higher leadership positions. Additionally, the literature shows women often have more direct experience for leadership positions than their male counterparts. Yet, gender inequity strongly exists. Traditional barriers, such as the glass ceiling, focused on external constructs preventing the equality of gender leadership is often mentioned in the literature. The researchers will discuss their study on the inequities of females in the workplace and the aspirations of female middle managers as related to career, education, and leadership. Do female middle managers even aspire to advance in leadership? The latest research about female aspirations in higher education and industry will be shared as the researchers will how female middle managers perceive their aspirations and in what ways aspirations may differ between higher education and industry. In addition, findings on significant barriers and supports to career advancement in the workplace will be shared.