Glass Ceiling to Sticky Floor: Analogies of Women Leadership

Abstract

Purpose: This study intended to investigate the issues associated with the rise of women to senior leadership positions. There have been diverse metaphors or analogies used to describe these barriers. The purpose of the study was to review the major barriers that restricted the growth of woman at senior leadership positions. Theoretical framework: Women leadership has been an area of discussion since women started holding powerful positions in the corporate and to do so they face enormous challenges. There have been diverse metaphors used to describe these barriers. These metaphors viz. Glass ceiling, Glass cliff, Queen Bee and Sticky floor shall be considered as major barriers that restrict women to be at top position. (Smith, Caputi, & Crittenden, 2012) Design/Methodology/Approach: The study reviewed the different metaphors viz. Glass ceiling, Glass cliff, Queen Bee, Sticky floor and other analogies used to describe the women in power. The study also described various issues and challenges related to woman leadership. Findings: There is a lack of awareness amongst corporate leaders regarding the diverse metaphors used for women leadership and which also means that they are knowingly or unknowingly enhancing the hurdles for women at their workplaces. These challenges and situations exist around us, but people are not vigilant and are reluctant to take efforts to tackle or overcome these barriers for women. Research, Practical and Social implications: This research suggests that there is a strong urge to sensitize our corporate leaders regarding these widely used metaphors and reasons for using them, especially in a country like India. Here gender discrimination happens right from the birth of a child and continues throughout life. Originality/Value: The research contributed to describing the various issues and challenges related to women leadership. The study adds value by presenting the review of the major barriers that restricted the growth of women at senior leadership positions. The analogies express the role and intention of women to hold the strong position they acquire. Research reviewed articles related to analogies used for women leadership in different scenarios at the workplace/organization.

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