SET Women and Careers: a case study of senior female scientists in the UK

Durbin, S. (2010) SET Women and Careers: a case study of senior female scientists in the UK. In: Cater-Steel, A. and Cater, E. , eds. (2010) Women in Engineering, Science and Technology: education and career challenges. IGI Global, pp. 232-250. ISBN 9781615206575

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61520-657-5

Abstract

Very few studies of senior female scientists have been conducted in the UK. This chapter explores the careers of thirteen senior female scientists in a UK public sector organisation where men dominate. These women operate within a context which reinforces, ‘think management, think male’ (Schein 2007). Despite this, these women followed traditional career paths of science qualifications and employment. Whilst many parallels can be drawn with other women in SET, these women buck the trend. They have achieved senior positions and unusually long lengths of service, post-childbirth, despite little help from mentors and support networks. Although their experiences of gender relations were variable and they have limited strategic leadership career options, they have sustained a positive work orientation and a strong desire to reputation-build. Notwithstanding their failure so far to break through the glass ceiling, they hold the potential to be role models for others in SET.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	senior female scientists, careers, mentoring, gender, glass ceiling
Faculty/Department:	Faculty of Business and Law > Department of Business Management ~Pre-2010 Faculty Structure > Bristol Business School ~Pre-2012 Faculty Structure > Faculty of Business and Law > Department of Business and Management ~Pre-2012 Faculty Structure > Faculty of Business and Law > Centre for Employment Studies Research
ID Code:	12540
Deposited By:	Dr S. Durbin
Deposited On:	04 Jan 2011 12:26
Last Modified:	22 Nov 2012 15:44