Enablers and Barriers for Women's Career Progression into Executive Positions: Case of Latvian Highest Value Joint Stock Companies

The authors used the narrative approach method to research the enablers and barriers
for women to progress in their career advancement into executive positions in Latvian highest value joint-stock companies. A total of 20 interviews were conducted with women in an executive position within the TOP 101 of 2019 Latvian highest value companies. The research is divided into four sections: (1) governmental level, (2) societal level, (3) corporate level, and (4) individual level. Barriers and enabling factors are determined for the sample women within each of these sections. Most important of the enabling factors observed were networking, flexible work, and family support, while barriers highlighted were inadequate childcare facilities and gender stereotyping. Interestingly, motherhood was viewed as a neutral factor or even as an enabler

Why it's a good practice: Based on the literature review, the authors divide the factors and barriers into four levels:
(1) governmental, (2) societal, (3) corporate, and (4) individual. Under each level, several
barriers and respecting enabling factors, which affect women as leaders and, therefore,
executives, are listed. The authors have firstly examined the existing social policies and
structures related to gender equality in the EU and Latvia as well as women attitude towards
these policies. Then, societal perceptions of men and women in the context of work-life are
reviewed. The societal norms, cultural practices, work-life balance practices and sexism are
explored as possible factors that impact women’s career advancement. Thirdly, the corporate level is examined, focusing on masculine and collectivistic corporate culture, ideal worker concept, and access to networks and mentoring and opportunities. Lastly, the authors direct their attention to the individual aspects like leadership style, risk aversion, and ambition.

The authors have conducted semi-structured interviews with women in top executive
positions in the Latvian highest value joint-stock companies to understand their experience.
Based on their carrier progression, the authors determined barriers and factors contributing to them having achieved their current positions. This research aims to help women aspiring to reach managerial positions to understand the enablers and barriers they may face in future career advancement. The additional benefit would be to the company management, who seek to improve corporate governance practices as well as to achieve their long-term sustainability goals and policymakers to determine the critical elements for future social policy changes.

The paper answers the following research question: What are the enablers and
barriers for women to progress in their career advancement into executive positions in
Latvian highest value joint-stock companies?

Read the full analysis: https://www.sseriga.edu/sites/default/files/2021-05/4Paper_Blumane_Timpars.pdf