Why are women underrepresented in senior management? A study in the Turkish hospitality industry

Solmaz C., Ehtiyar R.

European Journal of Tourism Research, cilt.39, 2025 (ESCI) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 39
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.54055/ejtr.v39i.3100
  • Dergi Adı: European Journal of Tourism Research
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: gender, hospitality industry, role congruity theory, Turkey, women managers
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aims to establish the causes for underrepresentation of women in senior management positions in the hospitality industry in Turkey using role congruity theory. The study used the qualitative research method and included semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 women who are managers in the hospitality industry. The study identifies organizational, social, and individual factors that prevent women from rising to senior management positions. This study is crucial to demonstrate how the perceived incongruity between female gender roles and leadership roles hinders the representation of women in senior management. Further, the present study contributes to the literature and benefits hospitality professionals by revealing the challenges that women encounter in their journey to reach senior manager positions.