What lies beyond the glass ceiling? The glass cliff and the potential precariousness of women's leadership positions

Abstract

Purpose

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the glass ceiling, but does this metaphor fully describe the experiences of women today? Recent research being conducted at the University of Exeter has identified a further barrier that women must conquer in order to succeed.

Design/methodology/approach

Looks at “the glass ceiling” over a 20‐year period.

Findings

Extending the metaphor of the glass ceiling, we describe the phenomenon of the glass cliff whereby women are more likely to occupy risky or precarious leadership roles than are men.

Originality/value

Takes the glass ceiling into the twenty‐first century. Identifies current challenges facing women now they are in the workforce.

Citation

Ryan, M. and Haslam, A. (2006), "What lies beyond the glass ceiling? The glass cliff and the potential precariousness of women's leadership positions", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730610663150