Progressing gender equity in senior leadership

A systematic literature review

Bibliographic Data

ID12920976
AuthorsMichelle Gander (0000-0003-4257-7935, Flinders University, corresponding author), Fleur Sharafizad (0000-0002-2495-4381, Edith Cowan University)
Year2025
Volume40
Issue2
Pages352-369
Publication date2025-02-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGender in Management An International Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1754-2413 • E-ISSN: 1754-2421
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/gm-03-2024-0149
OpenAlexW4408025635
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited67

Purpose This study aim to review and compile the latest research in women’s leadership internationally and across multiple sectors and industries to understand how to fast-track gender equality. As an outcome of this review, this paper presents an actionable universal framework for organisations to use to bolster their gender equity efforts. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review methodology resulted in 36 articles dedicated to research on women in senior leadership interventions across countries and organisational types. Thematic analysis identified a series of enablers and barriers that influence women’s progression into senior roles. Findings Research since 2020 has shown a significant shift from an individualised approach to improving women’s advancement to senior leadership roles, to a systematic one, acknowledging that there are entrenched behaviours resulting in a lack of equity. Research limitations/implications Systematic literature reviews, although reducing bias, must still be acknowledged to have inherent bias due to the inclusion and exclusion criteria used. There is a need for future research to provide more theoretical underpinnings to advance knowledge and for implementation and review of the proposed EQUAL framework developed from this study. Originality/value The authors highlight the continuing issues at play in organisations that act as barriers to women’s progress into senior leadership. This paper suggest that organisations may need to consider ways to move past a “business case” approach towards gender equity becoming embedded at all levels. Their proposed EQUAL framework provides a practical set of evidence-based activities to enhance this approach

Economics · Equity (law · Gender equity · Management · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Gender Studies · Law · Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access