The phenomenon of the glass ceiling in public organizations

an integrative review

Authors

  • Paula Karina Rosa Luz Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil 0009-0008-5642-7288
  • Daniela Vogel Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil 0009-0005-8363-8433
  • Solange Maria da Silva Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1925-1366
  • Cristiano Castro de Almeida Cunha Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil https://orcid.org/000-0002-8459-6045
  • Ana Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8744-256X
  • Marcelo Macedo Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4154-9318

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21874/rsp.v76ic.11053

Keywords:

glass ceiling, gender equality, public sector, integrative review, structural barriers

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of the glass ceiling in public organizations, focusing on the question: "What determining factors affect the career progression of women in the public sector, and what improvement proposals can be implemented to reduce the phenomenon of the glass ceiling?" An integrative review was conducted, covering articles published between 2014 and 2024 in the Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The thematic analysis revealed that gender inequalities, ineffective public policies, structural and cultural barriers, and specific workplace challenges hinder the advancement of women into leadership positions in the public sector. Strategies to promote gender equality and reduce the glass ceiling were identified, including more effective public policies, mentoring programs, and measures to balance personal and professional life. This research contributes to understanding the dynamics that perpetuate gender inequality in the public sector and presents practical recommendations to foster a more equitable environment.

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Author Biographies

Paula Karina Rosa Luz, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil

Master's student in the Graduate Program in Engineering, Media, and Knowledge Management at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).

Daniela Vogel, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil

Master's student in the Graduate Program in Engineering, Media, and Knowledge Management at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)

Solange Maria da Silva, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil

Ph.D. in Production and Systems Engineering. Associate Professor in the Department of Administrative Sciences (CAD) at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)

Cristiano Castro de Almeida Cunha, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil

Ph.D. in Economics and Social Sciences from RWTH Aachen (Germany); Associate Professor in the Graduate Program in Engineering and Knowledge Management at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).

Ana, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil

Doctor en Economía y Ciencias Sociales por la Universidad RWTH Aachen (Alemania). Profesor en la Universidad Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC).

Marcelo Macedo, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis – SC, Brasil

PhD in Engineering, Knowledge Management and Media from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). Professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).

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Published

2026-01-23

How to Cite

Luz, P., Vogel, D., da Silva, S. M., Castro de Almeida Cunha, C. ., Bencciveni Franzoni, A. M. B. F., & Macedo, M. (2026). The phenomenon of the glass ceiling in public organizations: an integrative review. Revista Do Serviço Público, 76(c), 59-78. https://doi.org/10.21874/rsp.v76ic.11053

Issue

Section

Edição Especial: Mulheres na gestão pública (encerrada)