The career impacts of women managing women

Our study examines the interconnection between women’s workplace hierarchical relationships and their career decisions using relational cultural theory (RCT) and the kaleidoscope career model (KCM). The findings suggest that the quality of these relationships directly and indirectly affect women’s careers, particularly when the relationship is perceived as negative. This research critiques and extends the KCM by adding an important relational component. Balance is extended to include the impact women’s hierarchical relationships have on personal and family wellbeing, particularly where it is viewed as negative, disempowering and lacking in mutuality. Challenge is extended to include the additional demands presented by a negative hierarchical relationship, along with the opportunity it provides for learning and growth. Our research makes the case for greater personal and organisational awareness of the connection between women’s hierarchical relationships and potential career impacts as one mechanism to support the careers of women