More females than ever are entering the work force but a huge majority of top management positions around the world are held by men. Females in high positions tend to be in lower management positions and hold less authority than men. This suggests that something beyond just sex differences in career patterns must be at work to account for the huge difference in the number of men versus women in top management positions. Even though women as a whole may place less emphasis on career success than men, there are a considerable amount of women who struggle for top management positions and are unable to achieve them.
There are many causes of the glass ceiling. I believe it is mostly caused by us women. We doubt our ability to succeed and that prevents us from making an effort. An example is we may choose to work fewer hours than men in order to spend more time with our families. Women also measure success in the workplace differently than men. Men are likely to measure success by high salaries and status while women place a higher value on their relationships with colleagues and community service. And stereotyping is also a cause of the glass ceiling.
As women we need to find a way around this, one of the best ways to address this issue is to find guidance, a mentor, be it male or female. Women should find someone who will show them the rope and help navigate the right direction to further their career. When they make it, they need to reach back and help the woman behind them. When possible, promote and hire other well qualified women. Yes, the corporate world is still a challenge with a variety of misunderstandings, assumptions and historical biases towards women in the workplace. But just because there are still difficulties, doesn’t mean we should stop trying. It is important for us to be persistent and go for what we want because we just might crack the glass ceiling.
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