Abstract
Despite significant progress, gender inequality remains a barrier to women’s advancement in the workplace, limiting both individual potential and organizational success. While gender equality continues to garner growing attention, previous research has yet to fully explore how human resource (HR) policies shape women’s perspectives on gendered practices within organizations. This study applies Acker’s Theory of Gendered Organizations to analyze 46 HR policies across four financial and insurance companies in Aotearoa New Zealand. By offering a novel application of Acker’s framework, this study provides insights not only into the content of HR policies but also into their nuanced implications for shaping women’s career experiences. These findings help organizations and policymakers develop HR policies that are more inclusive and equitable, supporting women’s career advancement.