The Glass Ceiling and Its Impact on Women in Technology Aspiring Towards Leadership Positions: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the persistent gender disparity in leadership, commonly referred to as the glass ceiling, with a particular focus on women in technology industry who aspire to leadership roles.

Design and Methodology A systematic literature review was conducted using the Scopus database, identifying 79 research articles published between 2015 and 2026 on women in technology aspiring to leadership roles. The review examined publication trends, contributing countries, key journals, theoretical frameworks, and the focus of the studies.

Findings The findings were grouped into three interrelated themes: (1) gendered norms, bias and leadership legitimacy; (2) structural and organisational barriers to leadership advancement; and (3) leadership development, progression and advancement pathways. These themes emerged through thematic analysis and reflected the interconnected factors influencing women’s leadership advancement.

Contributions/Implications This research examines how the glass ceiling influences the leadership aspirations of women. Although the topic has been widely discussed, limited work explores how organisational structures and practices shape women’s progression in technology roles. Existing knowledge is largely drawn from international contexts, leaving little understanding of the experiences of women in New Zealand’s technology industry.

The research concludes by providing a conceptual framework based on Glass Ceiling theory and Gendered organisations theory that reflects the themes identified in the study.