Is the glass ceiling still preventing women rising in leadership? A review of the alteration of the experiences of women in the modern workplace.

Abstract

In this Thesis, the possible barriers women face in their career trajectories were examined in an attempt to identify the reasons behind the underrepresentation of women. More specifically, the phenomenon of glass ceiling was examined, and it was attempted to determine whether it still exists and continues preventing women from rising in the corporate ladder. In order to investigate the experiences of women and determine the reasons behind their underrepresentation, the reports “Women in the Workplace” by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn Organisation were used. These reports provided insights of the experiences of women in corporate America. According to the analysis conducted in this Thesis, women in corporate America are still underrepresented in leadership positions and they continue to face barriers on their career paths. Based on the information provided in these reports, there is evidence that the glass ceiling phenomenon exists, but further research should be conducted in order to determine whether the difficulties women face in their career trajectories are caused by the glass ceiling phenomenon or other phenomena that might exist as well. The information available in the reports was not enough to conclude with certainty that the glass ceiling phenomenon is the only reason behind the underrepresentation of women but suggested further investigation regarding the phenomenon of the broken rung which was evident in the reports.