Scientific Metaphors and Female Representativeness in Leadership Positions: a Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

The barriers that hinder the rise of women to high leadership positions are commonly discussed with the help of metaphors that draw attention to gender inequalities. Thus, this article aims to summarize, integrate and discuss the available international literature on metaphors that illustrate barriers to the rise of women to leadership positions. Bibliometric analysis of articles found at Scopus database, on Glass Ceiling, Sticky Floor, Glass Cliff and Queen Bee Phenomenon was carried out between 1988 and 2018. The sample of 745papers is distributed through 439 journals. Brazilian production is quite low, especially when compared to production in the United States and the United Kingdom. We conclude that gender inequalities do not end when women break Glass Ceiling. The systematization of knowledge about different metaphors helps in the formulation of more assertive public policies and in the direction of future research.