Impact of glass ceiling on women career development in non-state banking sector in Colombo

Despite banking industry having more female employees than males, women are still underrepresented in management and senior management levels. This study focused on the effect of glass ceiling factors (GCFs) on women’s career development in non-state banking industry in the Colombo district. Five glass ceiling factors, namely individual, childcare and spouse care, elder care and housework, organizational and cultural factors were considered. The study was guided by three objectives, namely to identify the current level of women’s career development, assess the existing level of GCFs and identify the effect of GCFs on career development of female executives. All female executives employed in the Head Offices of four non-state, licensed commercial banks in Colombo, Sri Lanka were selected for the study. This study revealed significant positive and negative effects of individual factors and organizational factors, respectively on career development of women. Other three factors, namely child care and spouse care, elder care and housework and cultural factors did not show significant relationship on women career development. This study recommends developing self-efficacy by encouraging management to use social modelling, verbal encouragement and constructive feedback. Furthermore, conducting developmental performance appraisals, instead of traditional performance appraisals to increase their personal growth initiatives is suggested