The existence of glass ceiling for women in hospitality industry (case of Techiman municipality)

Abstract

Despite constituting more than fifty percent (50%) of the workforce in Ghana, women are still concentrated heavily in typically female occupations such as administrative and secretarial work and vastly under-represented in others. In hospitality industry the situation is not different. Most women in this industry aspire to climb to the top of their profession but there exists glass ceiling which prevents them. This study therefore sought to assess whether glass ceiling exists in hospitality industry for women. Specific objectives however include; identifying the type of glass ceiling that exists for women in the hospitality industry, examining leadership skills needed in hospitality industry and identifying institutional barriers for women in the industry. The Techiman Municipality is situated in the central part of the Brong-Ahafo Region, with a population of 147,788. A sample size of hundred (100) respondents were selected and used for the study. The study made extensive use of both primary and secondary sources of information. It was realised from the study that, the position of women continues to be one in which they are under-represented in senior positions, although there is evidence that women are making inroads into Senior Officer posts in Ghana. It is recommended that if women want change for the better, whether at home or at work, they have to take responsibility for themselves and make things happen. If their company will not change then they should change company. It is hope that this study will serve to interest more organisational researchers to consider women-in management issues