The uphill struggle of Maltese women to top management posts : exploring the gendered hurdles

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative research is to explore the visible and the invisible hurdles that may be holding women from making it to top management positions in private organisations in Malta. The study uses the gender lens to look into the organisational demands within private organisations and family expectations that may encumber women from climbing the corporate career ladders. It builds on Joan’s Acker Theory of Gendered Organisation and the notion of the “ideal worker” (1990). To achieve the aim of this study, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with four male and four female informants who occupy top management positions in local private organisation. The data collected was analysed using the Thematic Analysis approach (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The research recognises three major interlinking factors that can thwart women’s career progression in higher management posts within private organisations. These are: 1) The gendered division of labour at home 2) Gendered Organisations which operate with a bias in favour of men 3) Work–family conflicts. These interweaving factors highlight the complexity of the issues which continue to hinder women’s achievements and this study suggests that these ultimately stem from gendered roles and gendered organisations.