Women Leaders' Struggle Between the "Paper Floor" and the "Glass Ceiling"

What is it about?

Women are making slow but steady progress as tech entrepreneurs, but they still face hidden challenges—not because they lack skills or ambition, but because they don’t always “fit” the traditional image of an entrepreneur. This study suggests that employees often expect entrepreneurs to be men, especially in high-tech sectors, and this bias can hold back the company’s growth mindset and strategy, known as entrepreneurial orientation (EO)—a firm’s willingness to innovate, take risks, and act proactively. This hidden bias doesn’t just come from investors or the outside world; it also comes from inside the company, from employees. When they don’t fully see a woman as a “true entrepreneur,” they may be less likely to follow her lead or take bold action. This is called the “paper floor” effect: women leaders may appear to be in charge, but they lack solid support beneath them. The study tested this theory using data from 463 high-tech startups in Italy and found that women-led firms do tend to show lower EO. However, when women entrepreneurs adopt a bricolage approach—creatively using what they have to solve problems—they gain credibility and help boost EO. This kind of leadership aligns with positive stereotypes about women, like being resourceful and collaborative. Interestingly, support from entrepreneurial support organizations (like incubators and accelerators) did not show a significant effect in overcoming these biases, despite expectations. Overall, the study highlights the need to look beyond external barriers and understand how internal perceptions shape women’s entrepreneurial success.

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Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study sheds light on the often-overlooked internal barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in high-tech sectors. Rather than focusing only on external obstacles like funding or policy, it explores how gender stereotypes within a company can limit strategic innovation and risk-taking. By leveraging on the concept of the “paper floor,” it highlights the fragility of support women leaders receive from their teams. The study also identifies actionable strategies—like bricolage—that women can use to overcome these challenges. This insight is crucial for fostering more inclusive and effective entrepreneurial environments in male-dominated industries.

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