Abstract

In the last three decades, growth in the education of women in Iran has led to a significant increase in demand for women professionals and administrators in Iranian universities. However, the path to the top is not easy and numerous challenges must still be overcome. This study explored the challenges of women’s participation in senior administrative positions from the perspective of Iranian women administrators in higher education. Data were collected based on semi-structured interviews with 20 women academician in administrative positions. Thematic analysis was conducted to examine the themes that emerged to represent their experience and perspective. The findings indicated that challenges ranged from organizational to societal and individual factors. Individual factors were related to personality traits such as work-family balance issues and a lack of self- confidence. At the organizational levels, difficult relationships at work and the old boys’ network, and organizational practices were perceived to be a hindrance, while at the societal level, gender role stereotypes and social attitudes towards women were viewed as key challenges to the participation of women in senior administrative positions. The implication for women who aspire to the top position of organizations is that they should be aware of and understand the visible and invisible challenges in relation to their career advancement.

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