Between the Glass Ceiling and the Cliff: Gender Inequality in Women’s Managerial Leadership

Doaa Abdelazem

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Business and Public Management

Major: MBA.GLOBAL

Faculty Research Mentor: Coykendall, Sarah  

Abstract:

This preliminary research investigates two phenomena encountered by women in politics, the private sector, and public organizations, the Glass Ceiling and the Glass Cliff. Although these scenarios are distinct, one preventing women from attaining senior executive positions and the other involving their appointment to such roles during periods of organizational crisis or heightened risk, the outcomes are similar. In both cases, women are often removed from positions they have rightfully earned due to persistent gender inequality and discrimination. Across all levels of management, including the highest executive offices, entrenched societal structures have impeded progress toward gender parity in leadership roles. Women are frequently constrained by the glass ceiling, which limits the development of their skills and capabilities, or are placed in precarious glass cliff positions, where the likelihood of failure is elevated. Analyzing the conditions under which the glass ceiling and glass cliff manifest, as well as the transition of women from glass-ceiling to glass-cliff roles, reveals that women can overcome these barriers and serve as exemplars of success and authority.Reduced organizational identification has significant consequences for organizations, including decreased commitment and an increased likelihood of employee turnover. By highlighting gender disparities in organizational experiences, the data offers an alternative explanation for the growing disengagement of women in the workplace. Drawing on three established social psychology theories; think-manager-think-male, social role theory, and role incongruity theory, this study demonstrates that women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are especially susceptible to glass cliff appointments in distributive and constituent policy bodies. In contrast, when women have greater decision-making authority, experience empowerment, and encounter equitable organizational practices, the risk of negative outcomes diminishes, enabling them to overcome the glass ceiling and avoid the challenges associated with the glass cliff.Keywords: Gender-Inequality, Glass Ceiling, Glass Cliff, Sexual Discrimination, Women and SDG5