GLASS CLIFF
INTRODUCTION
- The term 'glass cliff' was coined by researchers from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
- Glass cliff is a phenomenon that reinforces stereotypes about women not being ideal in leadership positions.
- It was found that women were more likely to be promoted to higher positions when the company was performing poorly. By doing this women were set up for failure.
- Since the term originated, its use has expanded beyond the corporate world to encompass politics and other domains.
- The glass cliff concept has also been used to describe employment discrimination experienced by leaders who are members of minorities or disabled.
| When situations of stress occur, women are preferred over men. This "think crisis, think female" theory perceives women to possess the qualities that help them deal with stressful situations better than men. |
EXPLANATION
- Many theories have been advanced to explain the existence of the glass cliff.
- Many companies may offer glass cliff positions to women because they consider women as "more expendable and better scapegoats."
- The organizations that offer women tough jobs believe they win either way- if the woman succeeds, the company is better off. If she fails, the company is no worse off, she can be blamed and can return to its prior practice of appointing men.
- People believe that women are better suited to lead stressed, unhappy companies as they are felt to be more nurturing, creative and intuitive.
- Researches argue that female leaders are not necessarily expected to improve the situation, but are seen as good managers who can take the blame for organizational failure.
- Women executives are likelier than men to accept glass cliff positions because they do not have access to high-quality information which usually warns executives away.
- Females attributed the existence of the glass cliff to a lack of other opportunities for women executives and sexism.
- Male studies said that women are less suited than men to difficult leadership roles or strategic decision-making or glass cliff is unrelated to gender.
- When a company is performing poorly, it protects its male employees and promotes female employees to leadership positions.
- By promoting women, the company seems progressive, but sets the female for failure.
EXAMPLES
- Marissa Mayer was appointed as the CEO of Yahoo after it lost significant market share to Google.
- Theresa May, became prime minister of the United Kingdom, shortly after a referendum resulted in to leave European Union(EU), causing a drop in pound value.
- In 2020, Sophie Wilmes became the first woman prime minister in Belgium, during the coronavirus crisis.
THEORIES BEHIND THE EFFECT
There are many possible explanations to prevail this effect.
- When situation of stress or crisis occurs, women are preferred over men.
- 'Think crisis think female' theory perceives women to possess the qualities that help them deal with stressful situations better than men.
- Since stressful situations involve emotional management, women who are better managers of people's feelings and problems, are expected to make better leaders.
- 'Think crisis think not men' theory explains how women are perceived as less valuable than men, making it easier for companies to throw them.
- When a company is going through a crisis, bringing about a significant change in its structure can hold positive connotations.
- Women or minority communities are promoted to positions of leadership as it deviates from the conventional idea of leadership.
CONCLUSION
The glass ceiling effect which is similar to the glass cliff effect hinders women and minority communities from advancing in their careers after a certain level in various organizations.
The glass cliff effect ensures that even when promoted during crises, the company may look progressive but blame them for the underperformance of the organization.
Both processes help maintain the status quo and prevent women and minority communities from reaching positions of leadership.
