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Glass Ceiling

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Although the presence of women in the workforce has drastically increased, the number of women at the top levels of management is minute in comparison to men. It is often that women who climb into those hierarchical positions are considered to have reached those levels through sexual favors or the need of filling a quota for the organization and not for their contributions, knowledge and abilities (Carnes & Radojevich-Kelly, 2011).

According to Parker as cited by (Carnes & Radojevich-Kelly, 2011) a recent study showed that one-third of women believe that the major reason why they are lagging behind men in the top tiers of management is due to their obligations and responsibilities to the family.

Carnes and Radojevich-Kelly share that it was found that gender discrimination, resistance to change, and the so called “good-old-boys club” in addition to lack of experience and the traditional family and parent responsibilities are a few of the reasons why women have difficulty breaking through the glass ceiling to top management/leadership positions. Unfortunately, I have experienced and know many women who have experienced the glass ceiling. In the fire service, the good-old boy system and constant gender discrimination are to blame for this. Although the fire service has become very progressive and has come a long way, it still has much to accomplish when it comes down to women in hierarchical positions.
Sources: Carnes, W. J., & Radojevich-Kelley, N. (2011). THE EFFECTS OF THE GLASS CEILING ON WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE: WHERE ARE THEY AND WHERE ARE THEY GOING?. Review Of Management Innovation & Creativity, 4(10), 70-79.

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