The impact of the glass ceiling on expatriate wowen's subjective career success: A research in UAE

This study investigates the impact the impact of glass ceiling barriers on the subjective career success of expatriate women in the United Arab Emirates. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 464 expatriate women working in professional roles across various industries through an online survey. The research examined how perceived barriers related to family responsibilities, discriminatory promotion practices, employee relations, organizational support, gender stereotypes, and training opportunities influence career success dimensions including recognition, quality work, meaningful work, influence, authenticity, personal life integration, growth and development, and career satisfaction. The findings reveal that glass ceiling barriers significantly affect expatriate women's subjective career success. Discriminatory promotion practices emerged as the most powerful predictor across multiple career success dimensions. Employee relations demonstrated positive relations with career outcomes, while lack of organizational support showed negative relationships. Contrary to expectations, family responsibilities had weaker effects than anticipated, suggesting organizational and social barriers may be more prominent for the research sample. The study extends glass ceiling literature to expatriate contexts and demonstrates that career experiences are shaped more by organizational factors than individual characteristics. The study extends glass ceiling literature to expatriate contexts and demonstrates that career experiences are shaped more by organizational factors than individual characteristics. The research provides evidence that structural barriers persist in international business contexts despite progress in women's workforce participation. Based on the research findings, organizations should develop transparent promotion processes, invest in inclusive workplace cultures, and provide adequate support for women's advancement.