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Challenges experienced by female executive managers with children - A study of work-life balance, glass ceiling and gender gap within management in Sweden

Larsson Hurtig, Amalia LU and Kikas, Kertu-Kadi LU (2019) MGTN59 20191
Department of Business Administration
Abstract
Academic research has tried to explain the challenges women in executive positions face in
connection to work-life balance, glass ceiling and the gender gap in management. However,
these previous studies have been made mainly quantitatively. Therefore, this study aims to go
beyond the numbers by using a qualitative research approach. This thesis has collected in-depth
data through interviews with women who have children and an executive position in Sweden.
This study describes the challenges that executive women face in their career. Challenges, such
as women feeling pressured to prove themselves, being perceived negatively or being criticised,
were exposed. Moreover, informal networks, stereotyping and the glass ceiling were... (More)
Academic research has tried to explain the challenges women in executive positions face in
connection to work-life balance, glass ceiling and the gender gap in management. However,
these previous studies have been made mainly quantitatively. Therefore, this study aims to go
beyond the numbers by using a qualitative research approach. This thesis has collected in-depth
data through interviews with women who have children and an executive position in Sweden.
This study describes the challenges that executive women face in their career. Challenges, such
as women feeling pressured to prove themselves, being perceived negatively or being criticised,
were exposed. Moreover, informal networks, stereotyping and the glass ceiling were brought up
by interviewees as potential impediments. Further, this study shows that it is hard for female
managers to find work-life balance. It has revealed the importance of setting personal priorities,
both at work and in life in general. The study also presents the importance of support to enable
executive managers to advance in their career and find a work-life balance. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Larsson Hurtig, Amalia LU and Kikas, Kertu-Kadi LU
supervisor
organization
course
MGTN59 20191
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Leadership, Management, Gender Gap, Glass Ceiling, Work-Life Balance, Executive Women, Networks, Diversity, Sweden
language
English
id
8988358
date added to LUP
2019-06-27 15:39:50
date last changed
2019-06-27 15:39:50
@misc{8988358,
  abstract     = {{Academic research has tried to explain the challenges women in executive positions face in
connection to work-life balance, glass ceiling and the gender gap in management. However,
these previous studies have been made mainly quantitatively. Therefore, this study aims to go
beyond the numbers by using a qualitative research approach. This thesis has collected in-depth
data through interviews with women who have children and an executive position in Sweden.
This study describes the challenges that executive women face in their career. Challenges, such
as women feeling pressured to prove themselves, being perceived negatively or being criticised,
were exposed. Moreover, informal networks, stereotyping and the glass ceiling were brought up
by interviewees as potential impediments. Further, this study shows that it is hard for female
managers to find work-life balance. It has revealed the importance of setting personal priorities,
both at work and in life in general. The study also presents the importance of support to enable
executive managers to advance in their career and find a work-life balance.}},
  author       = {{Larsson Hurtig, Amalia and Kikas, Kertu-Kadi}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Challenges experienced by female executive managers with children - A study of work-life balance, glass ceiling and gender gap within management in Sweden}},
  year         = {{2019}},
}