Exploring the Challenges and Unveiling the Glass Ceiling Effect on Career Progression among Turkish Women in 3 to 5 Star Hotels

Purpose: Despite the significant growth in women’s participation in the hotel industry workforce, Turkish women continue to encounter limited access to senior management positions. This study investigates the obstacles faced by Turkish women in their pursuit of top managerial roles within the hotel industry and explores potential strategies to break through the glass ceiling. The purpose of this study is to investigate challenges and unveil the effect of the glass ceiling on the career development of Turkish women in 3-to-5-star hotels. The research endeavors to examine the experiences and challenges stemming from gender perceptions encountered by individuals within the hotel industry. Additionally, it seeks to discern the underlying social, organizational, and individual factors contributing to the disparity in leadership or senior positions held by women within this sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study utilizes a qualitative research approach, employing semi-structured, in-depth interviews with employees from 3 to 5-star hotels in Antalya, conducting an inductive thematic analysis approach the research aims to investigate the challenges faced by women in advancing their careers within the hotel industry and the diverse factors influencing their workplace performance. The statistical sample of the research includes people who have different viewpoints on the subject of the research. Findings: Twelve women working within the hospitality industry were interviewed. A thematic analysis revealed three interconnected barriers contributing to the glass ceiling faced by Turkish women: cultural and social obstacles, organizational challenges, and personal hindrances. These primary barriers encompass sub-barriers that collectively reinforce the glass ceiling, impeding numerous women from attaining senior positions. This research demonstrates that overcoming the barriers—especially organizational ones—can empower Turkish women to break through the glass ceiling and realize their leadership aspirations. Additionally, the study explores the implications for policymakers, academics, and practitioners regarding the impactful contributions of Turkish women to the hotel labor market." Practical Implications: This research showed evidence that there are real barriers for these women and the findings from this study offer implications that overcoming these barriers, particularly cultural and social barriers, could help Turkish women to crack the glass ceiling and achieve their dream of leadership. Originality/Value: The Hotel industry faces a worldwide shortage of Women in Leadership positions. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by the hotel sector in retaining highly skilled female employees who aspire to pursue managerial career trajectories. In addition, this research can add value to revealing gender inequality problems faced by Muslim women employees in the hospitality industry.