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Perceived career challenges and response strategies of women in the advanced technology sector

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  • Barbara Orser
  • Allan Riding
  • Joanne Stanley

Abstract

The objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of the perceived barriers to career advancement specific to women in the advanced technology sectors. Strategies employed in response to perceived barriers are also examined. Empirical results are based on analysis of qualitative data from a sample of 115 women members of Canadian Women in Technology. Personal-, firm- and industry-level barriers to career advancement were documented. The respondents attributed a high proportion of the challenges they encountered to gender. Respondents were most likely to resolve challenges through personal, or ‘do-it-yourself’, solutions. Few cited firm- or industry-related support structures. While mentoring was identified as a frequently used response strategy through which women address career challenges, the majority of firms in the advanced technology sector lack sufficient numbers of suitable women mentors. The lack of mentorship opportunities is particularly acute for women entrepreneurs. The findings are discussed from the context of contradictions between an industry need to attract and retain entrepreneurial talent and respondents’ perceived career barriers. Industry-level remedial strategies are advanced in the form of: a women's mentoring programme; case studies about successful women entrepreneurs and a website to inform women about career advancement strategies. The programmes were designed by the research team to respond to the challenges cited by women and were implemented in cooperation with the trade association as a critical component of an on-going applied research programme.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara Orser & Allan Riding & Joanne Stanley, 2012. "Perceived career challenges and response strategies of women in the advanced technology sector," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(1-2), pages 73-93, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:entreg:v:24:y:2012:i:1-2:p:73-93
    DOI: 10.1080/08985626.2012.637355
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    Cited by:

    1. Saurabh A. Lall & Li-Wei Chen & Dyana P. Mason, 2023. "Digital platforms and entrepreneurial support: a field experiment in online mentoring," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 61(2), pages 631-654, August.
    2. Katherina Kuschel & Kerstin Ettl & Cristina Díaz-García & Gry Agnete Alsos, 2020. "Stemming the gender gap in STEM entrepreneurship – insights into women’s entrepreneurship in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, March.
    3. Sara Poggesi & Michela Mari & Luisa Vita & Lene Foss, 2020. "Women entrepreneurship in STEM fields: literature review and future research avenues," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 16(1), pages 17-41, March.
    4. Alfonso Expósito & Amparo Sanchis-Llopis & Juan A. Sanchis-Llopis, 2021. "The effect of the manager gender on SMEs export and import decisions: Evidence for Spain," Working Papers 2115, Department of Applied Economics II, Universidad de Valencia.
    5. Daniela Giménez & Andrea Calabrò, 2018. "The salient role of institutions in Women’s entrepreneurship: a critical review and agenda for future research," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 14(4), pages 857-882, December.
    6. repec:beo:journl:v:62:y:2018:i:216:p:111-130 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Mohsen Mohammadi Khyareh, 2018. "Determinants Of Female Entrepreneurship In Iran: An Institutional Approach," Economic Annals, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade, vol. 63(216), pages 111-130, January –.
    8. Alfonso Expósito & Amparo Sanchis-Llopis & Juan A. Sanchis-Llopis, 2022. "Manager gender, entrepreneurial orientation and SMEs export and import propensities: evidence for Spanish businesses," Eurasian Business Review, Springer;Eurasia Business and Economics Society, vol. 12(2), pages 315-347, June.
    9. Sakshi Sharma & Rajvir Kaur, 2019. "Glass Ceiling for Women and Work Engagement: The Moderating Effect of Marital Status," FIIB Business Review, , vol. 8(2), pages 132-146, June.

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