Underrepresentation of Women within the Cyprus Corporate Hierarchy
Dr. Ian McRoy, Maria Tsangari

Abstract
Purpose – The main purpose is aimed at exploring the possible reasons for women, who are unrelated by family, being underrepresented at the top of the corporate hierarchy in Cyprus. The research is targeted at the development of a possible model to alleviate the problem by providing steps for women who are striving to climb the corporate ladder. It may, also, produce factors that other stakeholders may consider to be of value in the development of a diversified Board of Directors. Design/methodology/approach – The research design included in depth literature review of secondary data sources and a qualitative primary data instrument: the utilization of semi-structured interviews with women in senior management positions in Cyprus and the United Kingdom. Findings – The outcomes indicate that despite the perceived perceptions and assumed behaviours, there are steps that may be taken by women, organisations and governments. A model is presented that indicates the importance of the steps to be taken by all stakeholders. Additionally, these steps determine a joint effort aiming to change the norm, “think leader, think male’ to an equal opportunity for all talented men and women. Practical Implications – The model provides a methodology for those women who wish to aspire to the highest level in the corporate hierarchy and gives guidance to organisations and governments on how this wealth of talent may be best facilitated to achieve. Originality/Value – No evidence could be found of this type of research being undertaken in Cyprus, consequently this is creating unique and ne knowledge within the Cypriot environment, and may be used by those organisations wishing to develop women managers. Practical Limitations – Since there are only a few senior managers/directors who are unrelated, by family, in the Cyprus context only a small sample was available.

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