Impact of Glass Ceiling Effect on Career Orientation in Women: Moderating Effect of Marital Status

Abstract

This thesis explores the impact of the glass ceiling effect on the career orientation of women, taking into account the moderating effect of marital status. The glass ceiling represents the barriers and biases that prevent career orientation in women, limiting their access to leadership positions and hindering their professional growth. This research investigates how the glass ceiling affects the career orientation of women, which encompasses their motivation, aspirations, and proactive behaviors in pursuit of career goals. In addition, it examines how marital status influences this relationship. Through a quantitative research design, data were collected from a sample of women working in the real-estate sector of Pakistan operating in twin cities. A structured questionnaire was used to assess perceptions of the glass ceiling, career orientation, and marital status. The results highlight the negative impact of the glass ceiling effect on career orientation in women. Women who perceive higher levels of glass ceiling barriers tend to exhibit lower motivation, lower career aspirations, and less proactive behavior toward their career development. Furthermore, the results show that marital status plays a significant moderating role in this relationship. Married women can experience unique challenges and trade-offs between work and family responsibilities, which can make career orientation even more difficult. The implications of this research lean toward the importance of addressing the glass ceiling effect and its consequences for women's career guidance. Organizations and policymakers should prioritize creating inclusive environments that offer equal opportunities for career advancement, regardless of gender or marital status. The study has a few limitations, as notwithstanding limited time, sample, and resources, it is necessary to foster more complete outcomes It is suggested that the sample size be increased, that people from different backgrounds be included, and that other cities within the region be explored Pakistan and perform comparison research with other industries and sectors.