Barriers that impede mid-level female leaders' advancement to senior management positions: Evidence from China's tourism and hospitality sector

Abstract

Although scholars have studied women's career barriers, how mid-level female managers conceptualise and contest such barriers to senior-level positions under the impact of gendered nei-wai ideology remain unknown. Based on 39 in-depth interviews with mid-level female managers from academia, government, and industry, this study aims to propose a conceptual framework regarding women's underrepresentation in tourism and hospitality management positions in China. Findings based on a gendered nei-wai ideology revealed factors inhibiting mid-level female leaders' promotion to senior positions across social, organisational, familial, and personal dimensions. Besides being passively rejected from further promotion, mid-level female leaders might subjectively cease promotion to conform to family and social expectations. Yet in contemporary society, a growing number of Chinese women have begun to recognise their disadvantaged positions and fight against these obstacles. These findings advance the literature on women career advancement and aid practitioners in encouraging gender equality and gender diversity.