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A longitudinal investigation of the glass-ceiling in nursing

Helen Woolnough (Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK)
Sandra Fielden (The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK)
Sarah Crozier (Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK)
Carianne Hunt (The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK)

Journal of Managerial Psychology

ISSN: 0268-3946

Article publication date: 29 April 2019

Issue publication date: 29 April 2019

670

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a longitudinal, qualitative study exploring changes in the attributional constructions of sense-making in the perceptions and lived experiences of the glass-ceiling among a cohort of female mental health nurses in the National Health Service who participated in a 12-month multi-faceted career and leadership development pilot programme compared to a matched control group.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interviewed 27 female mental health nurses in the UK who participated in a multi-faceted development programme specifically designed to support female nurses secure career advancement and 27 members of a matched control group who did not experience the programme. Participants engaged in semi-structured telephone interviews at three separate time points (six months apart) over a 12-month period.

Findings

Programme participants differed in their attributional constructions of sense-making in relation to the glass-ceiling over time compared to the matched control group, e.g., triggering understandings and awakenings and re-evaluating the glass-ceiling above when promoted. Findings are used to theorise about the glass-ceiling as a concept that shifts and changes over time as a function of experience.

Practical implications

Practical implications include important organisational outcomes in relation to fostering the career advancement and retention of talented female leaders at all career stages.

Originality/value

The authors present the first known longitudinal, qualitative study to explore changes in attributional constructions of sense-making in perceptions and experiences of the glass-ceiling among female nurses over time compared to a matched control group.

Keywords

Citation

Woolnough, H., Fielden, S., Crozier, S. and Hunt, C. (2019), "A longitudinal investigation of the glass-ceiling in nursing", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 96-109. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-02-2018-0093

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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