Beyond The Glass Ceiling: Informal Organizational Networks, Perception Bias and The Old Boys' Club as Hidden Barriers to Women's Leadership Advancement - A Conceptual Review

Devi Nair R

Research Scholar, Department of Management Studies, Madurai Kamaraj University

Abstract

The persistent underrepresentation of women in senior leadership positions continues to challenge organizations despite substantial progress in education, workforce participation and gender diversity initiatives. Traditional explanations of the Glass Ceiling have primarily focused on structural barriers such as discriminatory promotion practices, occupational segregation and work-life balance challenges. While these factors remain important, they do not fully explain the continued exclusion of many competent and qualified women from leadership positions in contemporary organizations. This chapter examines the role of informal organizational networks, perception bias and the "Old Boys' Club" as hidden mechanisms that influence women's leadership advancement. Drawing upon Glass Ceiling Theory, Social Role Theory, Leadership Labyrinth Theory and Organizational Culture Theory, the chapter argues that leadership outcomes are shaped not only by formal organizational systems but also by informal networks, sponsorship relationships, workplace narratives and gendered interpretations of behaviour. Particular attention is given to leadership double bind, attribution bias and reputation formation processes that influence perceptions of competence and leadership potential. The chapter further integrates international and Indian evidence to demonstrate how invisible barriers continue to affect women's representation in leadership. An integrated conceptual framework is proposed to explain the interaction between formal structures, informal networks and perception-based processes in sustaining the Glass Ceiling. The chapter concludes that organizations seeking genuine meritocracy must address both structural and cultural barriers to ensure equitable leadership advancement.

Keywords

• Glass Ceiling, Women in Leadership, Informal Networks, Old Boys' Club, Organizational Culture, Gender Bias, Leadership Double Bind, Career Advancement

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Cite this Article as Follows

Nair R, D. (2026). Beyond the glass ceiling: informal organizational networks, perception bias and the Old Boys’ club as hidden barriers to women’s leadership advancement – A conceptual review: GPIR 2026 - Article 002 - ASDF EDLIB Proceedings | Electronic Digital Library [Hardbook]. In D. James (Ed.), Global Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Research July 2026 (1st ed., Vol. 1, pp. 6–13). ASDF International. Retrieved July 30, 2026, from https://edlib.net/2026/gpir2026/gpirjuly2026002.html