Most women believe a “glass ceiling” still exists in business, holding back their chances of being promoted to senior management or serving on company boards, according to a new study.

A survey of almost 3,000 managers found a difference in how boardroom inequality should be tackled, with half of women supporting the introduction of quotas, a move backed by just one in four men.

Three out of four women questioned by the Institute of Leadership & Management said a glass ceiling was still a barrier to top jobs, but only 38 per cent of men agreed.

More than one in three women said their gender had hindered their career profession, rising to almost half among over 45-year-olds.

Older women were also more supportive of quotas while older men were most against.

A clear majority of female managers were in favour of positive action to increase their chances of being appointed to a senior position.

Penny de Valk, ILM chief executive, said: “The research reveals a real split in opinion on how best to deal with the glacial progress the UK is making towards gender equality.

“Quotas may be seen as the quickest solution and some countries, notably Norway, have introduced them with some success.

“However, although they drive compliance, they do not necessarily drive a commitment to the more fundamental changes that are required.

“The imposition of boardroom quotas in the UK would be an admission of failure for leaders.”

Ms de Valk said that if predictions about the findings of a government review due this week were true, the UK had two years to increase the number of women on their boards.

She added: “Rather than waiting for external legislation, now is the time for employers to set voluntary targets for female representation at board and senior management level, and hold people accountable for meeting them.”