A competent and a well-performing female middle-level manager did not consider herself suitable for the position of senior manager thinking that females are not suitable for such higher positions. This is a typical example of which of the following?
- AOption (a)
glass-ceiling phenomenon
- BOption (b)
low motivation to approach success
- COption (c)
gender discrimination
- DOption (d)
high motivation to avoid failure
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Correct answer
glass-ceiling phenomenon
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Glass Ceiling Phenomenon.
Key PointsGlass Ceiling Phenomenon:
- The glass ceiling phenomenon refers to the invisible barriers that prevent women and minorities from attaining higher-level positions within organizations, despite having the credentials and capabilities to do so.
- Unlike explicit forms of discrimination, these barriers are subtle and often embedded within organizational culture and societal norms.
- These barriers are not openly acknowledged, hence the term "glass ceiling," because they are transparent but very real obstacles to advancement.
Additional Information
Low Motivation to Approach Success:
- This option implies a general lack of ambition or drive towards achieving success.
- While the manager's reluctance can be seen as low motivation, it is specifically driven by internalized gender biases rather than a broad lack of drive. Hence, it doesn’t fully capture the specific gender-related dynamics.
Gender Discrimination:
- Gender discrimination usually refers to overt discriminatory practices and actions by others, such as differential hiring or promotion practices.
- n this scenario, the issue is more about internalized beliefs and societal norms rather than explicit discriminatory actions against the manager.
High Motivation to Avoid Failure:
- This suggests a strong fear of failing which deters someone from pursuing higher positions.
- While fear may play a role, the crux of the issue here is the belief that women are inherently unsuitable for senior roles, which is a different psychological and sociological phenomenon.