Date
5-20-2026
Department
Graduate School of Business
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Organization and Management (PhD)
Chair
Jimmy Payne
Keywords
Career Progression, Diverse Leadership, Systemic Barriers, Inclusion, Equity
Disciplines
Business
Recommended Citation
Sylla, Melvie Tucker, "Barriers to Career Progression: Exploring Systemic Challenges and Nuanced Experiences for Diverse Leaders in Corporate Organizations" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8397.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8397
Abstract
This study examines the barriers and nuanced experiences that hinder the career advancement of diverse leaders within corporate organizations. Despite increasing commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), many professionals from underrepresented backgrounds continue to encounter structural challenges that hinder their progression into senior leadership roles. This study engages a qualitative research methodology to investigate the convergence of race, gender, and identity in shaping leadership trajectories. It specifically examines how organizational culture, implicit bias, and the unbalanced distribution of mentorship and sponsorship opportunities influence the professional pathways of diverse individuals. Through a sequence of in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this research exposes the nuanced and categorical barriers that hinder the advancement of diverse employees toward executive leadership roles. Additionally, the study highlights the flexibility, strategic approaches, and support systems that participants employ to effectively navigate the complexities of corporate hierarchies. The findings emphasize the necessity for more intentional and equity-driven approaches in leadership development, succession planning, and workplace culture transformation. By amplifying the voices of those directly impacted, this dissertation enhances our understanding of the ongoing disparities in representation and advocates for systemic changes to foster more inclusive and equitable opportunities for all leaders within corporate environments.
