An ethical analysis of glass ceiling alternatives in Bangladesh–a phenomenological study

Purpose This study aims to explore the persistent issue of the glass ceiling and evaluates ethical alternatives to overcome it within the socio-cultural and organizational contexts of Bangladesh. The primary purpose is to understand the lived experiences of professional women who have encountered career advancement barriers and to ethically assess viable strategies for fostering gender equality in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a phenomenological research design, the study engaged 15 purposively selected female professionals from diverse sectors, enabling an in-depth understanding of their subjective experiences. Multiple ethical frameworks virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, justice as fairness and feminist ethics were applied to analyze the narratives and propose ethically grounded interventions. Findings The analysis highlighted significant barriers, including limited leadership training, income disparities, varying workplace sizes and the impact of career breaks and professional development opportunities. Participants emphasized the importance of capacity-building programs, gender quotas, supportive networks and accountable leadership as potential pathways to equity. While capacity building and diversity initiatives align well with ethical principles by promoting fairness, gender quotas face challenges due to perceptions of meritocracy, despite support from feminist ethics. Research limitations/implications The study contributes to the theoretical expansion of Gender Inequality Theory by incorporating specific barriers and ethical strategies within the Bangladeshi context. For practitioners, it suggests implementing inclusive policies, strategically using gender quotas, enhancing leadership training and emphasizing ethical practices and work-life balance to create an equitable work environment. By integrating ethical theories with empirical insights, the study offers a nuanced framework for promoting inclusive and equitable workplaces. Originality/value This research is original in its contextual focus on Bangladesh and its integration of multiple ethical frameworks to assess strategies for addressing glass ceiling. By providing a nuanced evaluation of both conventional and ethical approaches, the study offers valuable insights for policymakers and organizational leaders seeking to enhance gender equity in the workplace.