Faculty of Social Sciences University of Tehran Woman in Development & Politics 2538-3124 23 4 2026 01 21 Causal-Structural Analysis of Glass Ceiling Barriers in the Career Advancement of Female Librarians at Payame Noor University Using DEMATEL and ANP Techniques Causal-Structural Analysis of Glass Ceiling Barriers in the Career Advancement of Female Librarians at Payame Noor University Using DEMATEL and ANP Techniques 771 805 105809 10.22059/jwdp.2026.407798.1008591 FA Saeed Kian Poor Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0002-4827-4970 Mohamad Mehdi Mohebi Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Payame Noor University, ،Tehran, Iran. 0009-0007-4131-3619 Ebrahim Mokhtari Nabi Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. 0009-0007-4131-3619 Sepideh Azimi Instructor, Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Basic and General Studies, Technical and Vocational University(TVU), Tehran, Iran. 0009-0004-6553-3251 Journal Article 2025 12 08 This study conducted a causal-structural analysis of the glass ceiling barriers that impede the career advancement of female librarians at Payame Noor University. It investigates this invisible gender barrier, which restrictswomen’s promotion to managerial positions, by identifying causal relationships and weighing influencing factors to inform empowerment strategies. The qualitative portion of the research was initiated by employing a mixed-methods sequential design. Thematic analysis of data from open-ended questionnaires was conducted in Python. In the quantitative phase, 100 female librarians were selected via cluster sampling and were required to complete a validated 19-item questionnaire created by the researcher (Cronbach’s α = 0.917). The data were analyzed in Python using DEMATEL for causal modeling and ANP for prioritization.<br />The results revealed 19 influential factors, with personal constraints associated with the perception of the glass ceiling—specifically, perceived discrimination and its impact (weights 0.28 and 0.25)—being the most significant variables. Structural factors, such as family responsibilities and masculine organizational culture, also demonstrated significant causal relationships with career advancement. These results corroborate that the professional development of female librarians is significantly restricted by the glass ceiling.<br />To resolve this issue, the study suggests that Payame Noor University implement targeted interventions, including systematic discrimination monitoring, gender empowerment training, and work-life balance policies, in order to promote equal opportunity. These insights can serve as a basis for institutional change and can direct the development of national higher education policy in the direction of increased gender equity. This study conducted a causal-structural analysis of the glass ceiling barriers that impede the career advancement of female librarians at Payame Noor University. It investigates this invisible gender barrier, which restrictswomen’s promotion to managerial positions, by identifying causal relationships and weighing influencing factors to inform empowerment strategies. The qualitative portion of the research was initiated by employing a mixed-methods sequential design. Thematic analysis of data from open-ended questionnaires was conducted in Python. In the quantitative phase, 100 female librarians were selected via cluster sampling and were required to complete a validated 19-item questionnaire created by the researcher (Cronbach’s α = 0.917). The data were analyzed in Python using DEMATEL for causal modeling and ANP for prioritization.<br />The results revealed 19 influential factors, with personal constraints associated with the perception of the glass ceiling—specifically, perceived discrimination and its impact (weights 0.28 and 0.25)—being the most significant variables. Structural factors, such as family responsibilities and masculine organizational culture, also demonstrated significant causal relationships with career advancement. These results corroborate that the professional development of female librarians is significantly restricted by the glass ceiling.<br />To resolve this issue, the study suggests that Payame Noor University implement targeted interventions, including systematic discrimination monitoring, gender empowerment training, and work-life balance policies, in order to promote equal opportunity. These insights can serve as a basis for institutional change and can direct the development of national higher education policy in the direction of increased gender equity. https://jwdp.ut.ac.ir/article_105809_720e8b15110d0b5f892792fcc668d1c8.pdf