Voices from above the glass ceiling : A qualitative interview study on the importance of the network for the female career process

This study examines women's experiences of their career process as well as the importance of the network in order to reach high management positions within the Swedish business sector. Empirical data were collected from seven female managers, belonging to some of the largest corporations in Sweden. Data were conducted through a qualitative interview method and have been processed by the thematic analysis method. The theoretical framework that underlies the analysis of the collected material is the Careership theory, designed by Phil Hodkinson and Andrew C Sparkes. As an analysis tool, we have also used the term glass ceiling to provide an explanation for the reasons behind some of the barriers women may face in their career process. The study's results show how self-esteem in the form of courage, freedom, and motivation becomes an essential part of women's opportunity to pursue a career at the highest level. That being said, social capital in the form of family and networks in various forms has also proven to be of great importance for the women's opportunity to reach high positions within the Swedish business sector. In order to understand women's career development and career opportunities, horizons for action and networks such as social capital should be taken into account