The Gender Gap in Managerial Positions in Spanish Companies in The Maritime Sector

Abstract Book of the 14th International Conference on Opportunities and Challenges in Management, Economics and Accounting

Year: 2026

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The Gender Gap in Managerial Positions in Spanish Companies in The Maritime Sector

Jesús García-López, Lorena Para-González, Encarnación Álvarez-Verdejo, Carlos Mascaraque-Ramírez

ABSTRACT:

The underrepresentation of women in the Spanish maritime industry, particularly in managerial roles, remains a significant concern. This study investigates the gender pay gap in management positions within the sector, exploring how gender stereotypes and cultural attitudes in organizations and society contribute to this disparity. Despite efforts by international organizations such as the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association and the International Maritime Organization to remove these barriers, women still face limitations in accessing leadership positions due to structural and attitudinal obstacles. A survey of companies in the Spanish maritime sector revealed an imbalance in numbers, as well as gender-based segregation of roles: women were predominantly found in Human Resources and Corporate Social Responsibility departments, while men dominated executive and technical positions. It has been found that women hold fewer management positions than men, and they are less entrepreneurial, tending to be salaried employees. The smaller the company, the higher the likelihood of having a better position. It has also been shown that self-employed men occupy better positions, which can be explained by the fact that they are the owners and managers of the companies they have created. These patterns reflect persistent gender biases and deeply rooted stereotypes regarding leadership and professional capabilities.

Keywords: Corporate Management; Gender gap; Gender stereotypes; Managerial positions; Maritime sector