A comparative study of age-related variation in women's views of a career in management

The present study compares the views of university women of varying age (18–21, 22–34, over 34) concerning a managerial career. Overall, while many similarities were observed among the women in their perceptions regarding a managerial career, the women differed in their expressed interest in and attitudes toward such a career. Specifically, women over 34 expressed less interest and less favorable attitudes toward a management career than younger women. In addition, the women differed in their perceptions of the barriers to a managerial career, as well as types of assistance needed for pursuing such a career. Women over 34 were more concerned about their own suitability and were more interested in assistance gained from separate women's classes. The 22- to 34-year-old women were more concerned about possible resistance from subordinates, while younger women voiced more concerns about family/social issues as inhibiting factors and expressed the strongest desire for day-care services, counseling, promotion information, internships, and decision-making training. Findings are discussed in terms of sociocultural changes and life stage differences.