Glass Ceiling
An invisible barrier preventing minorities or women from rising to senior organizational levels.
Definition
The glass ceiling is a metaphor for the invisible, often unofficial barrier that prevents women and minority groups from advancing to senior leadership and executive positions within organizations, despite their qualifications and contributions. It is sustained by systemic biases, exclusionary networks, and organizational culture rather than explicit policies. Shattering the glass ceiling requires intentional interventions in promotion criteria, sponsorship programs, and leadership pipeline diversity.
Example
“Despite having the highest performance ratings in the division, the female director was repeatedly passed over for the VP role, illustrating the glass ceiling effect in the organization's promotion process.”
Synonyms
- invisible barrier
- advancement barrier
- promotion barrier