The Glass Ceiling
Wilmington College
December 13, 2006
Abstract
Most women and minorities will never be able to shatter the glass ceiling because corporate America is male dominated. Some women have made progress; however, few have made it to the top of the corporate ladder.
If glass ceilings existed, they would allow people to see through to the world above them. Because glass is clear, those existing under such a ceiling might not, at first, even notice that a barrier was in a place that separated them from higher levels. Yet if they tried to pass through, they would quickly learn that the ceiling prevented any such rise (Hughes, 2002).
The glass ceiling is a barrier so subtle that it is transparent, yet so strong that it prevents women and minorities from moving up in management (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2007). Three distinct causes of the glass ceiling have been identified. For one, many executives and managers are not held accountable for their actions toward equal opportunities and affirmative actions. Due to the lack of recommendations from managers and executives, many times women and minorities are not promoted or given higher positions Although the person may be qualified, in most instances, the position is given to a man or a majority. If the decision is later questioned, managers and executives cover one another to prevent the issues from "leaking out".
Secondly, women and minorities are not encouraged to apply for higher positions and in most cases are not even made aware that such positions exist. Positions that offer higher salaries
and potentially higher statuses are often discussed during lunches and or outings that regular staff is not invited to. Women and ...