HR Glossary

Glass Ceiling

Glass ceiling is a term used to describe the often unseen barriers that prevent certain groups and individuals from career advancement irrespective of their qualifications, success and contribution.

what-is-glass-ceiling

Glass ceiling definition

Glass ceiling is a term used to describe the often unseen barriers that prevent certain groups and individuals from career advancement irrespective of their qualifications, success and contribution.

The term is generally connected to women and minorities.

Conditions of glass ceiling evidence

1. The difference (in gender, race or other characteristic) must not be explicable in terms of job-relevant characteristics

2. It must affect opportunities afforded for advancement

3. It must be greater at higher levels than at lower levels of outcome

4. It must be one that increases over the course of the career

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