Mitigation strategies to address glass ceiling for leadership roles in Industry 4.0: a systematic review and future research agenda

Purpose This study aims to identify publication trends, conceptual structure, critical barriers and mitigation strategies on women’s leadership in Industry 4.0. Also, this study aims to propose future research directions. Design/methodology/approach SPAR-4-SLR protocol guided the retrieval of 141 articles (1996–2024) from Scopus, Web of Science and Journal Storage databases. Articles were assessed using the bibliometric analysis and theories, characteristics, contexts, and methodologies framework. Findings The topic has surged since 2015, with Frontiers in Psychology leading in publications. Science mapping showed the keywords network and themes. Most studies are based on the role congruity theory, examined in the USA and India, and predominantly use qualitative methods. A conceptual framework is proposed, encompassing individual, organizational and societal factors affecting women’s leadership. Also, mitigation strategies for glass ceiling are discussed. Practical implications The study outlines barriers to women’s progression and proposes corresponding mitigation strategies. At the individual level, the study advocated for targeted skill development, strategic visibility efforts and actively engaging in mentorship networks and wellness programs. At the organizational level, peer and reverse mentoring programs should be arranged to bridge gender perception gaps. Organizations can implement ethical leadership by ensuring fair promotional practices, flexible work arrangements, cross-functional training, transparent decision-making and accountability, fostering workplace spirituality to address structural barriers. Originality/value Despite the extensive literature on glass ceiling, consolidated insights into women’s leadership barriers and interventions in Industry 4.0 remain fragmented. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this review is among the first to examine this intersection systematically.