The Glass Ceiling Phenomenon

The glass ceiling phenomenon has been around for a long period of time, and has generally been used to discuss the lack of senior executive opportunities for women in corporations. However, according to the Federal Glass Ceiling Commission, the glass ceiling refers to “the unseen, yet unbreakable barrier that keeps minorities and women from rising to the upper rungs of the corporate ladder, regardless of their qualifications or achievements.”

1. In the first week of this module, research the glass ceiling phenomenon. Do you believe that the glass ceiling still exists? If so, explain what a strategic leader can do to end the glass ceiling phenomenon in his/her organization. If not, explain what has changed.

2. In the second week, regardless of the stance you took above, discuss some “best practices” that can be implemented in all organizations to insure that a glass ceiling does not deter the leadership opportunities for all employees (e.g., what should organizations stop doing, continue doing, or start doing?).

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