Beyond the BUZZ: TISM analysis of the queen bee psychology in organizations

Purpose The dearth of female leaders, particularly in high-ranking positions, has sparked widespread discourse on a worldwide level. This study aims to examine queen bee syndrome, a phenomenon where female leaders integrate into male-dominated companies and actively exclude other females from higher-ranking positions. Design/methodology/approach A structural interpretive framework has been composed. In order to substantiate the framework, a classified arrangement of these factors was additionally constructed utilizing total interpretive structural modeling (TISM). Further, MICMAC – Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (meaning “cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification”) was used to drive the power and dependency power of the identified construct. Findings This study highlights some of the prominent factors leading to such behaviors. Managers must foster a feeling of togetherness and overcome perceived rivalry by supporting one other’s growth and success. Typically, there is a discouragement for senior female executives who have a reputation for being dominant and not supportive of their co-workers to engage in collaboration. Prior to reproaching the queen bees for their conduct, it is crucial to contemplate the underlying motivations that prompted their actions. Originality/value This research aims to examine the many elements contributing to the occurrence of queen bee syndrome from the perspectives of women leaders.