Barriers to female leadership: A review of the literature on the obstacles to accessing leadership positions

Abstract

Purpose: This research presents a systematic review of the literature on the internal and external barriers that prevent women from accessing leadership positions in organizations.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A total of 42 peer-reviewed academic articles published between 2005 and 2024 in the Web of Science database were reviewed, conducting a bibliometric and content analysis.

Findings: The results suggest that the internal and external barriers women face in accessing leadership positions in organizations persist, despite their increased participation in the workforce. Additionally, a new form of barrier has been identified: as women reach leadership positions, they face new challenges known as glass cliffs. These situations arise when women are placed in leadership roles that men tend to avoid, especially in companies facing crises. They also encounter barriers once they have already assumed leadership positions.

Practical Implications: Understanding the barriers that prevent women from accessing leadership positions enables the design of training that provides them with tools to overcome these obstacles. Moreover, this information can be crucial for establishing governmental guidelines, especially in the educational field, to empower girls from a young age and prepare them to face these situations.

Social Implications: Raising awareness and socializing the population, especially the business world, about the difficulties that individuals, and particularly women, may encounter in developing within an increasingly competitive and complex world women occupy positions that men tend to avoid, especially in companies facing crises. 

Originality/Value: This literature review provides an update on the information known about the internal and external barriers women face in accessing leadership positions. Additionally, it allows us to understand the possible evolution of these barriers and whether new ones have emerged or are presenting with different nuances.