Women's glass ceiling; Concepts and explorations using Q method

In the organizational world, women have more opportunities to participate and compete with men. Despite the increasing participation of women in organizations, the advancement and entry of women into high positions faces obstacles known as the glass ceiling. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of identifying barriers to the promotion of women using the qualitative Q method in the National Iranian Oil Company. Q statement were explored through 19 selected studies based on research protocols and media sources such as publications, newspapers, television programs, and conversations with experts and elites. Then, a questionnaire consisting of 39 cards and an answer sheet (Q diagram) was given to 43 experts who expressed their opinion based on a range of strongly agree (+4) to strongly disagree (4-). The collected data were analyzed by Q-type explorative factor analysis using SPSS software. The results showed that there are seven perceptions and mental groups about the obstacles faced by women in achieving managerial positions. In these mental models, the statements “less skill of women in political games”, “less ability of women to bear the psychological pressures of managerial jobs”, “family priority over work for women”, “Womenchr(chr('39')39chr('39'))s dependence on men in terms of geography and place of residence” “need a flexible work plan” were among the most important barriers to womenchr(chr('39')39chr('39'))s career advancement.