Examining the Impact of Glass Ceiling on Career Progression of Female Administrators and Senior Managers in Academic Institutions, with a Focus on HEI’s in Qatar

The objective of this study is to determine the impact of the glass ceiling on the career advancement of Qatari women, particularly in Higher Education Institutions located in Doha. By conducting a comprehensive literature re-view, various factors influencing the existence of the glass ceiling were identified, including family dynamics, organizational structures, and cultural norms. Furthermore, this research also discovered several symptoms associated with the presence of a glass ceiling, such as physical ailments, psychological distress, and behavior-al changes. The focus is specifically on female administrators and senior managers within academia. The study was conducted by selecting Qatari women employees from Qatar University (QU), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), and Do-ha Institute for Graduate Studies. A sample study was used, and a questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 70 respondents from different positions within these educational institutions. The collected data under-went thorough analysis, which led to the generation of suggestions and recommendations. This research focused on examining the concept of the glass ceiling, career development opportunities, and the experiences of female administrators and senior managers in academia. The study revealed that Qatari women in various positions, including female administrators and senior managers in academia, faced the glass ceiling effect. This obstacle hindered their career development and resulted in the experience of psychological and behavioral symptoms. The majority of respondents with 0–10 years of experience were particularly affected by this issue.