Barriers in the Career Progression of Retail Managers

Abstract

Organizational and technological changes have altered the nature of retail management jobs, which in turn create new opportunities and barriers to career development. Using primary quantitative research, the paper details the relative barriers to career development experienced by male and female retail managers, the problems they have encountered in their jobs, and the reasons for the lack of women in senior retail management positions. It concludes that the reasons for a gender imbalance in retail management posts are grounded in gender and organizational analysis which upholds male values as the accepted cultural norms. Unless these are challenged it is unlikely that the current status of women in retailing will change. From a business perspective, companies need to retain and develop good quality managers. Recognizing that organizational culture is changing in response to company expansion also means recognizing that the talents of both male and female managers are required for the future success of businesses.