Why Women Fail To Get To The Top

Abstract

Women constitute forty percent of the American workforce, yet hold less than two percent of the top management positions. Why are women failing to make it to the top of the corporate ladder? Do men really possess superior qualities than women? The answer is emphatically, No! Women are not making it to the top because of inferior qualities, but because of backward thinking from their male colleagues. Discrimination still remains women's greatest obstacle on the ladder of success, but is only one of many obstacles. Women must overcome lack of mentors and role models in the workforce, as well as lack of spousal support. Furthermore, women face internal roadblocks within themselves such as socialisation (upbringing), and the decision of pursuing a career, pursuing a family, or pursuing both a career and family. This article addresses these barriers as well as the changes that corporations, family, men, and women must do if women are to obtain the brass ring.

Citation

Marrujo, R.E. and Kleiner, B.H. (1992), "Why Women Fail To Get To The Top", Equal Opportunities International, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb010576