Glass Ceiling and Work Engagement: Higher Education in Kazakhstan Kazakistan Yükseköğretiminde Cam Tavan ve İşe Tutkunluk

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Temirbekova Z., Çelik H. E.

Bilig, vol.2026-Winter, no.116, pp.1-27, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 2026-Winter Issue: 116
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.12995/bilig.8253
  • Journal Name: Bilig
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Index Islamicus, Linguistic Bibliography, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Political Science Complete, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-27
  • Keywords: Glass ceiling, higher education, Kazakhstan, PLS-SEM, work engagement
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between women’s beliefs about the glass ceiling and their work engagement in higher education institutions in Kazakhstan. The proposed theoretical model was tested using PLS-SEM. Data were collected from 274 women working in higher education institutions in Kazakhstan. Women’s beliefs about the glass ceiling were examined across four dimensions (denial, resilience, resignation, and acceptance), while work engagement was measured using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. The findings indicate that denial and resilience positively affect work engagement, whereas resignation and acceptance negatively affect it. The results show that women’s beliefs about the glass ceiling play an important role in shaping their level of work engagement. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of women’s beliefs about the glass ceiling and work engagement in Kazakhstan’s higher education sector.