Glass Ceiling and Career Progression of Female Workers at the College of Distance Education, University Of Cape Coast

Abstract

ABSTRACT The general purpose of the study was to examine the nexus between glass ceiling and career progression of women working the College of Distance Education at the University of Cape Coast. With that the study first sought to examine the factors that lead to glass ceiling at the workplace and further sought to assess the career progression of women as a result of glass ceiling. Lastly, the study examined the effect of glass ceiling on the career progression of women at the College of Distance Education. To achieve these specific objectives, the study employed a quantitative approach and a descriptive design where questionnaires were administered to 97 female respondents at the college out of 130 population size. The study found that the female workers were highly affected by glass ceiling due to child birth, child care and family commitments. The study again found that women are affected by glass ceiling negatively such that there is slow development in their progression, promotion speed and remuneration growth. The study further found that both personal factors and organisational factors of glass ceiling negatively affect career progression of female workers. It was concluded that a negative association exists between glass ceiling and career progression of women. The study recommended that Management and Authorities of the University and the College should assist female workers with mentors aid them to progress in their careers.