Causes and Effects of ‘Glass Ceiling' for Women in Public Institutions of the Ashanti Region, Ghana

Abstract

Numerous factors contribute to why women are very much underrepresented in top management levels. It is therefore important to conduct clearer investigations into such issues. The main purpose of the study was to examine the existence, contributory factors and effects of glass ceiling, in public institutions, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, as well as make some recommendations on how to break these glass walls for career women. The entire study was descriptive, that employed questionnaire to collect data from 250 respondents. The findings were that, women glass ceiling is widely prevalent in top and middle management levels within public institutions. Moreover, the study found the causes of glass ceiling to be women's personal habits and societal prejudice. Also, the study found some key effects of glass ceiling on women and on public institutions. As well, the study found out that both women and public institutions have roles to play, in reducing glass ceiling and helping change people's attitude, behaviour and perception towards women.