Ageism and glass ceiling: barriers to advancement for women in Turkish banking

Purpose- The Turkish banking industry is known for its dynamism, where customer issues demand swift resolution, decisions must be made expeditiously, and employees are persistently pressured to meet targets. This engenders a highly stressful and demanding work environment. This paper examines the role of ageism in this industry, emphasising how gender and age-related biases intensify the “glass ceiling” as a chronic syndrome for employees. The objective of the research is to comprehend the impact of these biases on women across different age groups. Methodology- In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 female banking employees in Istanbul, Turkey. The participants included managers and branch employees from 16 different banks. A convenient sampling method was employed, and participants were invited to respond to open-ended questions regarding their experiences and motivations. Findings- The banking sector is characterised by a high level of stress, tight deadlines and the pressure to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs), which can have a significant impact on the well-being of women employees across all age groups. The study revealed a generational divide in motivations and expectations. Younger women prioritised favourable work conditions and salary, while senior women expressed a desire for early retirement due to burnout. Despite this, women of all age groups articulated a desire for career advancement and recognition, underscoring the pivotal role of managerial support and transparent expectations for future success. While extrinsic rewards remained a primary motivator, intrinsic rewards also played a role. Additionally, generational differences in expectations regarding motivation were observed. Conclusion- The dissolution of the glass ceiling necessitates the creation of an environment wherein individuals from disparate generational cohorts are able to provide mutual support, and age-based discriminatory practices are reduced. The acknowledgement and remuneration of employees’ competencies and expertise, in conjunction with the promotion of collaborative endeavours, can facilitate the development of a more equitable and nurturing work environment.