Global Trends In Women’s Leadership Research Across the Business Sector

Ainiyya Hana Pathi Seruni (School of Business, IPB University, Jl. Raya Pajajaran, RT.03/RW.06, Babakan, Kecamatan Bogor Tengah, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16128)
Suhendi Suhendi (School of Business, IPB University, Jl. Raya Pajajaran, RT.03/RW.06, Babakan, Kecamatan Bogor Tengah, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16128)
Raden Isma Anggraini (School of Business, IPB University, Jl. Raya Pajajaran, RT.03/RW.06, Babakan, Kecamatan Bogor Tengah, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16128)

International Research Journal of Business Studies
2026: Just Accepted Manuscript and Article In Press

This study examined the global development of women’s leadership research in the business sector and explored the key barriers, leadership styles, and success factors influencing women leaders. A systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted, combined with bibliometric analysis to map research trends and thematic structures. The findings indicated a significant increase in publications over the past decade, with research emphasizing structural barriers such as the glass ceiling and gender bias. The Glass Ceiling and Gender Bias Theory are the most dominant theory. The results highlighted that women’s leadership in confronting the glass ceiling, including factors such as barriers to advancement, leadership style, facilitators of success, and strategies for breaking through the glass ceiling. Overall, women’s leadership was identified as a strategic factor in achieving organizational success and long-term competitiveness.