| A hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative approach was utilized, in an attempt to understand better the experiences of career advancement of women who had reached top management positions. Nine women were interviewed. They shared personal accounts, reflections, insights into thoughts, feelings, ideas, and actions related to their careers. I conducted a thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews to discover commonalities among participants' experiences. A list of preliminary themes emerged. Follow-up contacts with participants were made to verify the findings, and themes were revised to incorporate their comments and to clarify.; The analysis revealed insights into four categories of themes: (a) the nature of advancement, (b) values, (c) energizing aspects, and (d) de-energizing aspects. A total of thirteen themes with five associated sub-themes emerged. In particular, the following themes emerged: (a) fast pace and unplanned; (b) leadership and work-life values; (c) inner strength, learning, looking into the future, personal growth, nature of work, personality, and support system; (d) personal life and road blocks. Five sub-themes were identified under road blocks: gender, hidden expectations in the nature of work, organization culture, organization system and subtle road blocks. The literature resonated with most themes: however, new insights were added.; The knowledge gained in this study might help professionals in the field of Human Resource Development (HRD), organizations, and individuals concerned with career development of women. It might also help women see their own objectives more clearly to be able to formulate their own career plans and follow through. |
