The Perceived Challenges of Women in Leadership Positions That Prevents Them from Climbing the Corporate Ladder

Women, in today’s society are facing dilemmas in different occupations as they become more suitable for leadership positions. “Traditional definitions of leadership are challenged by the changing demographic of society in the United States, increasing numbers of women in leadership roles in the counseling profession, and shifting expectations in the workplace” (Levitt 66). Although, women status has improved over the past century, they are still lacking access to power and leadership compared to men (Carli & Eagly 629). Furthermore, according to many researchers, women are still underrepresented in the workforce; facing barriers against stereotypes, gender differences and inequality with men. WOMEN AND STEREOTYPES Gender stereotypes are strongly accepted as societal norms, women who do not act in accordance with feminine stereotypes are seen negatively (Willemsen 386).

From Girl to Woman: American Women’s Coming-of-age Narratives. Albany: State U of New York, 2003. Print. Ya-Jie, Zhang. “A Chinese Woman’s Response to Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior.” Melus 13.3/4 (1986): 103.

Finally, some conclusions and recommendations will be offered. General approach and rationale Women in managerial roles has been a topic of debate for many decades. The advancement of women into position of power and influence in organisations has seen a steady rise, contributing to the equality of opportunity, in the last years (ILO 2004). However, the management gender commonplace is still considered to be a barrier. Indeed, in a worldwide overview of women in management, Berthoin and Izraeli (2002), reckon that the most important obstacle faced by female managers in industrialized nations is the stereotype that links management ... ... middle of paper ... .../abs_lightningwintro.pdf> [accesed on 3/6/2011] Heilman, M., Wallen, A.S., Fuchs, D., and Tamkins, M. (2004) Penalties for success: reactions to women who succeed at male gender-typed tasks, Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol.

This metaphor was initially only applied to women, but quickly extended to minority men as well (Shedd). While legislation regarding discrimination based on gender prevents overt discrimination, subtle measures have been found to exist within many organizations which effectively prevent women from moving into the highest levels of management. These include doubtful success criteria, inaccurate perception of women’s aspirations and progress, and cultural biases against working women (Miller 18). Blocked opportunitie... ... middle of paper ... ...eeps minorities and women from rising to the upper rungs of the corporate ladder regardless of their qualifications or achievements. This barrier of blocking women and minorities from reaching top echelons reveals the extent of the problems faced by women.

How women explain their ascent to top business leadership positions 4. When and why promoting women into top positions can harm them individually or as a group (and how to prevent this) c) To find the effect on Work Life Balance, I am looking up the paper by 5. Work-family balance of Indian women software professionals: A qualitative study Research Paper 1 This paper explains what a gender stereotype is, then its descriptive form. This explai... ... middle of paper ... ...t theory of gender segregation in organizations, SciVerse Science Direct, Research in Organizational Behavior 32(2012) 137-162. 3.

Kazuko, Ono. "Chinese Women in a Century of Revolution, 1850-1950." edited by Joshua A. Fogel, Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1989. Zheng, Wang. “Maoism, Feminism, and the UN Conference on Women: Women's Studies Research in Contemporary China.” Journal of Women's History 8, No.

Firstly, women are continuously facing barriers that prevent them from reaching the top of corporate hierarchy. Secondly, there is a persistent disparity in wage compared to men and women in the upper echelons of corporations. Finally, a social attribute of discriminating women, excludes

In her novels, she reflects Chinese history, traditions, education and superstition, together with may experiences takes from her family history, all of which provides a convincing representation directly inspired in the real everyday life of the Chinese colony in the United States. Works Cited Tan, Amy (1989). The Joy Luck Club. New York: Ivy Books. -- (1991).

Women have to face problems because of their gender. In the article “Sexism a problem in Silicon Valley, critics says,” LA Times, October 24, 2013, Jessica Guynn mentions that discrimination against women exists in the technology companies because of their gender. Some women that work at tech companies have been sexually threatened and death threats. Some technology companies do not have any senior women because women are not as well promoted as men are. Many women decide not to study to become engineers as result women are not as prominent in the technology workplace.

The glass ceiling is an invisible barrier preventing women and minorities from advancing into upper management (Bell 67). Despite extensive legislation and the widespread implementation of equal opportunity policies, there is still widespread structural inequality and job segregation in organizations throughout the United States. "The level of the `glass ceiling' varies among organizations and is reflected in different employment patterns, hiring practices, and promotion plans" (Adler 451). The purpose of this paper is to provide background as well as a more in-depth analysis of the glass ceiling phenomenon and apply a human-capitalistic theorist perspective to the issues. Women are underrepresented in managerial (Adler 451) and executive level positions within organizations in the United States even today.