Does the glass elevator still work: a descriptive and cross-sectional study in the context of gender in Turkey

Abstract

Aim: To analyse the glass elevator in nursing, evaluating this concept within the conceptual context of nurse managers' perceptions of gender. Background: Glass elevator is defined as the rapid promotion of men to upper positions in certain professions in which women comprise the majority, such as nursing. Methods: Data were collected from 134 nurse managers. Participants selected one of four resumes belonging to four virtual candidates for an open management position. They, then completed the Perception of Gender Scale. Results: Nurse managers mostly selected men among the four candidates submitted to them for promotion to upper positions. None of the nurse managers' characteristics caused a statistically significant difference regarding the gender of the candidate they selected. No statistically significant difference was found between the perception of gender scores of those who selected female or male candidates. Conclusions: Men are two times more likely to be selected than women when selecting candidates for promotion with the same qualifications. This was not caused by the decision-makers' or nurse managers' personal and professional characteristics nor their perceptions on gender. Implications for Nursing Management: The psychological mechanisms that operate the 'glass elevator' in favour of men should be analysed in greater depth.