Male managers blind to gender bias blocking women’s careers says report

A sharp split in how male and female leaders perceive opportunities for career advancement at work has been highlighted in a new report.

A study conducted by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) revealed that more than two in five male managers believed equal opportunities existed for men and women to progress into leadership or management roles, compared with just one in four female managers.

The survey, which questioned 600 UK managers, found that over four in five respondents could not rule out gender stereotypes or unconscious bias influencing young women's promotion prospects within their organisations.

Only one in six surveyed said unconscious bias or gender stereotyping never played a role in promotion decisions, while a quarter pointed to bias or a male-dominated culture as a key obstacle holding back young women from gaining their initial management or leadership position.

Just one in four managers strongly agreed that young women in their workplace received support to build leadership or management skills.

Ann Francke, chief executive of the CMI, said: "Men and women are looking at the same workplaces and seeing very different levels of opportunity.

"When male managers are almost twice as likely as female managers to believe the playing field is level, employers should be asking what they are missing.

"We spend a lot of time talking about the glass ceiling, but the problem starts much earlier.

"Young women want to lead, yet too many are not being seen, backed or given that crucial first opportunity to step up.

"Businesses cannot afford to let that talent go to waste. We need managers who actively spot potential, open doors and give the next generation the confidence and opportunity to lead."

The report concluded that a clear "deep divide" remains in how male and female managers evaluate career progression opportunities.