The prevalence and effects of glass-ceiling in higher education: evidence from Pakistan

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the invisible barriers in the way of faculty members getting to top positions. Data was collected from two private universities in two phases.  In the first phase, the focus was on analyzing the official records (HR reports, prospectus, and website information) with a view to getting some clue from the policies that might have implications from the existence of glass ceiling.  In the second phase, data relating to corporate culture, enforcement of laws, stereotypical behavior, mentoring, and provision of facilities were collected in order to see if they have any bearing on the existence of glass ceiling. Various statistical techniques such as regression analysis were used to test five hypotheses.  Based on the results, it was found that the existence of discriminatory laws and lack of necessary facilities (transportation, child-care center, flexible timings, and social support) made it hard for female faculty to compete with their male counterparts and acquire positions of authority in the organizations they were working in.