Glass Ceiling in Banking: A Comparative Study of Women’s Career Advancement in Public and Private Sector Banks in Palakad District.

Abstract

The glass ceiling remains a significant barrier to women’s career advancement into senior and top-management positions in the banking sector. Although women constitute a substantial proportion of the banking workforce, their representation at higher managerial levels remains comparatively limited. The present study examines the perceived glass ceiling barriers affecting women’s career advancement and compares these barriers between public and private sector banks. The study was conducted during December 2024 with a sample of 300 women employees, comprising 150 from public sector banks and 150 from private sector banks. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The study considers gender stereotypes, organisational culture, work–life balance, mentoring and networking, promotion practices and organisational support as major factors influencing career advancement. The data were analysed using percentage analysis, mean and standard deviation, Cronbach’s alpha, independent sample t-test, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The study indicates that gender stereotypes, organisational culture and work–life balance are important perceived barriers, while mentoring, transparent promotion practices and organisational support positively influence women’s career advancement.