Investigating the Relationship Between the Glass Ceiling and the Career Advancement of Female Employees in the Industrial Units of the Bafq Central Iron and Steel Company with the Mediating Role of the Self-concept Variable

Abstract Introduction: One of the most valuable assets of any organization is the women who work in , and their participation is considered a factor key in the growth and development of organizations. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the role of women in organizations and the limitations caused by the phenomenon of the glass ceiling, which is essential for advancement in the organization to leadership positions. The present study investigates the relationship between the glass ceiling and career advancement of female employees in the industrial units of Bafq Central Iron and Steel Company with the mediating role of the variable self-concept Methods: The research method used is correlational and based on structural equations. The data was collected using a questionnaire prepared by the researcher. For validity, the questionnaires were presented to the experts, expert opinions and factor analysis were used and reliability was checked using Cronbach's alpha. The results of the simultaneous structural equation tests in the PLS software indicated that the components of the glass ceiling, career advancement, and the self-concept of female employees are interdependent. Findings: The effect of the glass ceiling on career advancement was found to be well-matched by the mediating variable of self-concept. The glass ceiling has an inverse and significant effect on career advancement through the element of self-concept of female employees. Conclusion: In order to increase the job motivation and job advancement of women, it is suggested that more time and attention should be given to deal with the obstacles of women's job promotion to higher positions. In addition, attention should also be given to create the sense of their self-concept and strengthen it.