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INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
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India's female labor force participation rate, though rising (37% in 2022-23), is still low compared to
its potential for economic growth. Despite legal protections for women's equality, social norms and
gender bias often push women towards domestic responsibilities, limiting their opportunities. This
is reflected in lower literacy rates and higher unemployment among women. The Global Gender
Gap Index considers factors like labor participation, education, health, and political empowerment.
The COVID-19 pandemic's restrictions on movement disproportionately impacted women's work,
leading to a larger decline in female employment compared to men.
Low female participation: Overall workforce participation rate in India is 20.3%, with
women only making up 32.8% (as of 2023). This is one of the lowest rates globally.
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Declining trend: Female labor force participation rate has been declining since 2005,
reaching a low of 19% in 2020 (compared to 26% in 2005).
COVID-19 impact: The pandemic worsened the situation, with urban female participation
rate dropping to a record low of 15.5% during the first lockdown quarter.
Global comparison: India ranks poorly compared to South Asian neighbors - Bangladesh
(65), Nepal (106), Sri Lanka (116). (World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report 2021)
Desire to work: Despite low participation, a significant number of women (over 65%)
expressed a desire to work during the pandemic.
Sectoral concentration: Women are more present in agricultural work than white-collar
jobs in urban areas.
Literature Review
The idea of the "glass ceiling," a barrier that prevents women from advancing in the
workplace, is examined in this review along with how it affects professional success.It
delves into various terms used to describe the glass ceiling in different contexts, along with
the effects on women and potential reasons behind it.
The concept of the glass ceiling is multifaceted, with various terms highlighting its nuanced
nature. Here are some key terms identified in the reviewed literature:
2
Brass Ceiling: This term refers to the difficulty women face in rising through the
ranks in traditionally male-dominated fields like law enforcement and military (Schulz,
2004).
Stained-Glass Ceiling: This sociological phenomenon describes the challenges
women encounter in attaining leadership roles within religious communities (Sullins,
2000).
Bamboo Ceiling: This term highlights the exclusion of Asian Americans from senior
positions due to subjective factors like perceived lack of leadership potential, despite
possessing strong qualifications (Hyun, 2005).
Concrete Ceiling: This term refers to the additional challenges faced by minority
women due to combined effects of sexism and racism, making it harder for them to
break through the glass ceiling (Catalyst, 2002).
Glass Closet: This term describes the exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly
gay men and lesbians, from certain professions due to homophobia (Browne, 2014).
Glass Escalator: This term refers to the phenomenon where men in female-
dominated professions experience faster promotions compared to women in those
fields (Williams, 1992).
Sticky Floor: This term describes the pattern where certain groups, often women in
low-wage or pink-collar jobs (secretaries, nurses), face limited opportunities for
advancement (Shambaugh, 2007).
Sticky Ladder: This term suggests that women get stuck in middle management
positions and struggle to reach the top (Facchinetti, 2012).
Research Methodology
Definition;
The term "research methodology" describes specific approaches or strategies for finding, analyzing,
processing, and assessing relevant data on a subject. The research's methodological section gives the
reader the option to evaluate the study's dependability and integrity. It responds to two key queries:
How were the data generated or gathered? How was the analysis carried out? Research is
characterized as an in-depth analysis of the available data that employs relevant and targeted
methodologies to delve into a certain issue or subject. The practical "how" of a certain research
study is known as research methodology, and it guarantees accurate and reliable results that satisfy
the investigation's aims and objectives.Features of the Study:The following are desired
characteristics of research to aid in decision-making across a range of fields:Priority issues ought to
be at the core of the
Characteristics of Research;
Desired qualities of research are listed to support decision-making in various fields:
Priority problems should be the center of the research.
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The study needs to be methodical, highlighting the need for an organized process.
Rationality is essential for logical manipulation of concepts.
Reductive research is recommended to avoid duplication and ensure replicability.
Productivity is crucial, leading to the creation of new questions and actionable solutions.
An integrated interdisciplinary approach is necessary, involving various research methods.
The study must have a relatively simple design, be timely, limited in scope, and cost-
effective.
Formats that will be helpful to stakeholders should be used to deliver research findings.
Desirable Qualities of a research;
Good research yields reliable data and is conducted professionally, possessing several key qualities:
Clearly defined purpose: A well-conducted study has definite, well-defined goals.
Thorough research process: Methods employed should enable future replication and ensure
confidence in results.
Planned research design: Procedural design should minimize bias and ensure objectivity.
Ethical considerations: Research designs must prevent harm to participants and respect their
dignity.
Identified limitations: Any defects in the procedural design should be reported by the
researcher.
Adequate analysis: Statistical rigor is crucial for verifying accuracy and dependability.
Clearly presented results: Results should be comprehensive and easily understandable.
Justified conclusions and recommendations: Inferences should be solely based on the
study's findings.
Reflection of researchers' experiences: Details about researchers' qualifications should be
included in the report.
Objectives of a research;
Research methodology aims to:
Enhance familiarity with the research topic.
Establish a structured approach for problem-solving.
Improve research quality by assessing reliability and validity.
Generate effective solutions for addressing business challenges.
Facilitate decision-making processes.
Foster logical and systematic thinking.
Sampling Design:
Good research yields reliable data and is conducted professionally, possessing several key qualities:
Clearly defined purpose: A well-conducted study has definite, well-defined goals.
Thorough research process: Methods employed should enable future replication and ensure
confidence in results.
Planned research design: Procedural design should minimize bias and ensure objectivity.
Ethical considerations: Research designs must prevent harm to participants and respect
their dignity.
Identified limitations: Any defects in the procedural design should be reported by the
researcher.
Adequate analysis: Statistical rigor is crucial for verifying accuracy and dependability.
Clearly presented results: Results should be comprehensive and easily understandable.
Justified conclusions and recommendations: Inferences should be solely based on the
study's findings.
Reflection of researchers' experiences: Details about researchers' qualifications should be
included in the report.
Explanation of Population vs. Sample:
Understanding the disparity between a population and a sample is crucial:
The population encompasses the entire group that conclusions are drawn about.
The sample represents the specific group of individuals from whom data is collected.
Sampling Frame:
The sampling frame comprises the actual list of individuals from which the sample is drawn, ideally
including the entire target population.
Sample Size:
The sample size depends on various factors and can be determined using different calculators and
formulas based on the research design and population characteristics.
Probability Sampling Methods:
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Probability sampling ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being
selected. Four main types include:
Simple random sampling
Systematic sampling
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Non-Probability Sampling Methods:
Non-probability sampling involves selecting individuals based on non-random criteria. Techniques
include:
Convenience sampling
Voluntary response sampling
Purposive sampling
Snowball sampling
Data Collection:
Data collection involves collecting, measuring, and analyzing accurate insights using standard
validated techniques, crucial for research across various fields. It is divided into two methods:
Primary data collection involves gathering original, first-hand data.
1
Secondary data collection involves using second-hand data collected by other parties and already
subjected to statistical analysis.
Techniques of Data Collection;
Primary Data Collection Techniques –
. Interviews.
. Projective Technique.
. Delphi Technique.
. Focus Groups.
. Questionnaires.
Data Analysis: Analyzing data entails examining it closely in order to derive conclusions,
make choices, or advance understanding on a range of topics. It includes running
operations on data to provide exact results that help achieve objectives. This procedure is
5
flexible and adaptable to problems that arise during data collecting.
Advantages of Data Analysis:
Numerous industries and scientific fields utilize data analysis for decision-making and
hypothesis testing. Key benefits include faster decision-making, improved understanding of
customer needs, and enhanced risk awareness.
Uses of Data Analysis:
Data analysis finds applications across industries, providing the foundation for decision-
making and hypothesis validation.
Marketing: Predicts consumer behavior and informs market strategies.
Human Resources: Optimizes employee experiences and skill alignment.
Academics: Evaluates student performance and enhances educational strategies.
Various analysis techniques cater to different data types, emphasizing the importance of
defining the method beforehand.
Qualitative Data Analysis: Interpretation of verbal responses and observation
patterns.
Quantitative Data Analysis: Focuses on numerical results for tangible insights.
A systematic approach to data analysis ensures quality outcomes and informed decisions.
1. Define clear, measurable questions.
2. Establish measurement priorities for data collection.
3. Collect data efficiently, considering existing sources.
4. Analyze data for relationships, trends, and relevant variables.
5. Interpret results to validate hypotheses and inform decisions.
Crafting an effective analytical report involves leveraging modern tools and best practices.
Utilize digital dashboards for dynamic data presentation.
Choose appropriate chart types to enhance communication.
Follow design best practices for clarity and effectiveness.
Work with relevant KPIs to measure performance accurately.
Ensure accessibility for timely access to insights.
Incorporate storytelling elements for engaging narratives.
There are two types of research designs: qualitative and quantitative, each with a
different function.
Qualitative: Examines hypotheses and relationships with an emphasis on "why."
Quantitative: Emphasizes numerical data analysis and uses statistical techniques to
provide insights that are actionable.
My SIP related Research Design; (To check whether, there exists a discernible association
between gender and performance appraisal ratings at Peerless Financial Products
Distribution Limited.)
Peerless Financial Products Distribution Limited is a company that distributes and sells financial
products in India and I want to check whether the increments and bonuses given to employees of
PFPDL across all departments during the 2022-2023 performance appraisal cycle has any
association with the gender of the employees.
Specifically, I want to know if there are any association between the gender and the
increments/bonuses
Customer service-
Providing service to new customers in its full life cycle.
In the insurance industry, this means providing excellent customer service to new customers from
the moment they first contact you to the moment their policy expires. This includes:
Answering their questions in a timely and accurate manner
Helping them to understand their policy and their coverage options
Processing their payments quickly and efficiently
Handling any claims promptly and fairly
By providing excellent customer service throughout the customer lifecycle, and building
trust and loyalty with new customers, which will increase the chances of them renewing
their policies with you in the future.
Business renewal
In the insurance industry, business renewal refers to the process of renewing a customer's
insurance policy when it expires. This is an important part of the customer lifecycle, as it ensures
that your customers continue to have the coverage they need.
HR-
Recruitment and onboarding: HR can help attract and hire the best candidates for open positions.
They can also provide new employees with the resources they need to get up to speed quickly and
effectively.
Performance management: HR can help employees set goals, track their progress, and receive
feedback. They can also help resolve performance issues in a fair and objective manner.
Career development: HR can help employees identify their career goals and develop a plan to
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achieve them. They can also provide training and development opportunities that help employees
build their skills and knowledge.
Offboarding: HR can help employees transition out of the organization in a smooth and
professional manner. They can also provide severance packages and other benefits to help
employees during this time.
Finance-
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Managing the financial affairs of an organization in accordance with the applicable laws and
regulations, including those of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority of India (IRDA).
Internal Audit-
1. Reviewing the organization's financial statements for compliance with accounting standards
and regulations.
2. Evaluating the organization's internal controls to ensure that they are designed to prevent
and detect fraud and errors.
3. Conducting compliance reviews to ensure that the organization is in compliance with all
applicable laws and regulations.
4. Providing consulting services to help the organization improve its risk management, control,
and governance processes.
Phase 2: Design.
a) Accurate purpose statement –To check whether, the Increment and bonus
given to the employees during performance appraisal cycle 2022-2023 has
association with the gender of the employees or not across the organization
. Null Hypothesis – Association
. Alternate Hypothesis – NO Association
f) Timeline –
. 1st April 2022- 31st march 2023.
g) Measurement of analysis –
1) Eligibility (Out of 130, 114 is selected)
2) Rating (As per prescribed format employees are rated in 5 rating scale)
3) % of appraisal is received from company database directly.
Phase 3: Implementation.
Phase 4: Evaluation.
Data Analysis
Count of
Gender
Gender Total
Female 12
Male 102
Grand Total 114
Total
Female
Male
Checking weather, whether there exists a discernible association between gender and
performance appraisal increment percentage at Peerless Financial Products Distribution
Limited.
. Null Hypothesis- There is no association with the gender & the increment.
. Alternate Hypothesis- There is association with the gender & the increment.
CHI SQ TEST-
OBSERVED DATA TABLE
Gender VS Increment category
GENDER/INCREMENT 0-5% 6-10% 11-15% 16-20% 21-25% TOTAL
FEMALE 1 7 3 4 0 15
MALE 18 64 16 18 2 118
TOTAL 19 71 19 22 2 133
Null Hypothesis: There is no association with the gender & the increment.
Alternate Hypothesis: There is association with the gender & the increment.
Steps Steps to be followed for Chi square Test P-VALUE approach for the above secondary data.
Step 1 Go to formulas
Step 2 Go to More function
Step 3 Choose Statistical
Step 4 Choose Chi sq. test
Step 5 Choose Array for observed
Step 6 Choose Array for expected
Step 7 Note the value of p computed
Step 8 Checking the association.
Interpretation –
3
If the p-value is less than your significance level, the difference between means is
statistically significant. Again, Excel provides p-values and critical value approach for CHI SQ.
TEST—and we’ll stick with the p-value approach.
For our results, we’ll use excel chi sq. test formula, by which we’ll get p-value for the Chi sq.-
test where our p-value is 1 which is more than the standard significance level of 0.05, so we
can accept the null hypothesis.
No association between the gender and the increment is important because it shows that the
employees are not treated in a biased way because of gender.
. Null Hypothesis- There is association with the gender & the rating.
. Alternate Hypothesis- There is no association with the gender & the rating.
CHI SQ TEST-
OBSERVATION TABLE
GENDER VS APPRAISAL RATING
Gender\Rating 1 2 3 4 5 GRAND TOTAL
FEMALE 1 3 2 5 1 12
MALE 11 16 34 32 9 102
GRAND TOTAL 12 19 36 37 10 114
EXPECTED TABLE
GENDER VS APPRAISAL RATING
GENDER \ RATING 1 2 3 4 5 GRAND TOTAL
FEMALE 1 3 2 5 1 12
MALE 11.0 16 34 32 9.0 102
GRAND TOTAL 12 19 36 37 10 114
Null Hypothesis: There is no association between the gender and the rating in every department of PFPDL
Alternate Hypothesis: There is no association between the gender and the rating in every department of
PFPDL
Steps Steps to be followed for Chi square Test P-VALUE approach for the above secondary data.
Step 1 Go to formulas
Step 2 Go to More function
Step 3 Choose Statistical
Step 4 Choose Chi sq. test
Step 5 Choose Array for observed
Step 6 Choose Array for expected
Step 7 Note the value of p computed
Step 8 Checking the association.
Interpretation –
If the p-value is less than your significance level, the difference between means is
statistically significant. Again, Excel provides p-values and critical value approach for
CHI SQ. TEST—and we’ll stick with the p-value approach.
For our results, we’ll use excel chi sq. test formula, by which we’ll get p-value for the
Chi sq.-test where our p-value is 1 which is more than the standard significance level
of 0.05, so we can accept the null hypothesis.
No association between the gender and the rating is important because it shows that the
employees are not treated in a biased way because of gender.
The examination of the glass ceiling effect in the BFSI sector reveals persistent challenges hindering
gender equity despite diversity and inclusion efforts. Analysis of performance appraisal ratings
indicates potential biases, with consistent lower ratings for marginalized groups, particularly
women. Regular review of ratings across diverse dimensions is crucial to address systemic barriers.
Proactive measures like diversity training and fostering inclusivity are imperative to ensure a fair
and meritocratic appraisal system, promoting equal opportunities for all employees.
However, when examining Peerless Financial Products Distribution Limited specifically, the findings
presented a contrasting scenario. Despite the prevalent awareness of glass ceiling effects within
the BFSI sector, no significant association was found between gender and performance appraisal
within Peerless Financial Products Distribution Limited. Nevertheless, a notable observation
emerged from secondary data analysis, revealing a significantly low proportion of female
employees within the organization and has no women representation in the top management. This
disparity in gender representation highlights broader systemic challenges that may contribute to
gender-related issues in career advancement, warranting further investigation and targeted
interventions to address underlying barriers to gender equity within the organization.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the pervasive presence of glass ceiling effects in performance appraisal ratings
within the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector in India. Despite efforts to
promote diversity and inclusion, gender disparities persist, hindering the career progression of
women and underrepresented groups into senior leadership roles. Biases such as the halo effect
contribute to unfair appraisals, perpetuating inequality and hindering organizational growth.
Additionally, the perception of performance appraisal politics and its impact on counterproductive
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work behavior underscore the need for fair and unbiased assessments in fostering a positive work
environment.
Recommendations:
To address these challenges, organizations in the BFSI sector must implement proactive measures:
Examine and update HR procedures and policies to reduce prejudice in performance reviews.
Train those in charge of making decisions during the appraisal process on unconscious bias
and diversity awareness.
Encourage a culture of accountability and openness in performance reviews, making sure that
every worker has an equal chance to progress.
Promote sponsorship and mentoring initiatives to aid in the professional advancement of
women and other underrepresented groups.
Keep a close eye on the success of diversity and inclusion programs and make necessary
adjustments.
Limitations:
The study primarily focuses on the BFSI sector in India, limiting generalizability to
other industries or geographic regions.
Data collection may be subject to biases or inaccuracies, impacting the validity of
findings.
The study may not capture all dimensions of the glass ceiling phenomenon or other
forms of discrimination present in the BFSI sector.
Future Scope:
1. Longitudinal Studies:
Track promotions, salary changes, and attrition rates for men and women over several
years. This would reveal if the glass ceiling weakens, strengthens, or stays stagnant.
Identify critical career junctures where women face the most significant disparity in
advancement.
2. Comparative Analyses:
Compare BFSI sectors across different countries with varying gender equality legislation
and social norms. This could identify best practices for dismantling the glass ceiling.
Analyze industries with contrasting gender ratios in leadership positions. This might reveal
industry-specific factors contributing to the glass ceiling.
3. Qualitative Research:
Conduct in-depth interviews with women in the BFSI sector, focusing on their experiences
with performance appraisals, promotion processes, and mentorship opportunities.
Explore the perspectives of men in leadership roles to understand their perceptions of
gender bias and their support for diversity initiatives.
4. Intervention Studies:
Design and test different diversity and inclusion training programs, measuring their impact
on reducing implicit bias in performance evaluations.
Evaluate mentoring programs specifically aimed at supporting women in leadership
development within the BFSI sector.
Implement anonymized performance appraisal processes and analyze if it leads to fairer
ratings for women.
These research avenues can provide valuable insights to dismantle the glass ceiling and achieve
true gender equity in the BFSI sector and beyond.