Gender Quality and Phenomena of Glass Ceiling in the Hierarchal Structure of an Organization: An Empirical Study of Umeå University

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to find out the relationship between gender equality and glass ceiling and its existence in the hierarchal structure of an organization. The study has used qualitative approach to deduce a hypothesis by choosing an ontological position namely “constructivism”. The research is based on primary and secondary data. The primary data was compiled by making several interviews with equality administrators at the four faculties of Umeå University. Each equality administrator was interviewed and policy documents were reviewed that were provided by the University. The interviewing was semi-structured in the sense that the questions were flexible and open ended and allowed the interviewees to elaborate their answers, gave a more accurate view and relevant answers to the investigation. The gathering of secondary data was made through the equality administrators at the different faculties at Umeå University. This empirical study revealed that Umeå University is working towards a more equal gender division in its hierarchical structure by giving the faculties a set of policies to reduce gender discrimination. However gender discrimination is observed at higher levels. Affirmative actions are suggested to eliminate the existing gender division.