Career Barriers and Career Advancement Strategies of Women Administrators in Philippine Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the situation of women administrators in Philippine higher education institutions. Specifically, it addressed the following objectives: 1) identify the socio- demographic characteristics of women administrators; 2) determine the career barriers of women administrators; 3) correlate socio-demographic characteristics and career barriers of women administrators; 4) describe the career advancement strategies of women administrators; and 5) develop a leadership program for women administrators. The study showed career barriers which obtained the highest scores are the following: 1) conflict between children and family; 2) multiple role conflict and; 3) difficulties with networking and socialization. However, women administrators perceived that all career barriers included in the instrument do not strongly (weak) interfere with their career progress. This study shows that there is a significant positive correlation between following variables: 1) Age and Racial Discrimination; 2) Age and Disability/Health Concern; 3) Highest Educational Attainment and Disapproval. Developing from within and developing from without are major themes that emerged in the interview concerning their career advancement strategies? Findings provide a number of implications. First, women administrators have overcome commonly encountered career barriers existing in the academe. Second, mentors and personal development are essential career advancement strategies. Future researches and programs for women administrators in academic institution are provided.