The Glass Cliff: Evidence that Women are Over‐Represented in Precarious Leadership Positions

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8551.2005.00433.x
• Publication Date: 2005-06-03T00:59:51Z
• Authors: Michelle K. Ryan; S. Alexander Haslam
• Keywords: Glass Ceiling; Stock (firearms); Climb

Abstract There has been much research and conjecture concerning the barriers women face in trying to climb corporate ladder, with evidence suggesting that they typically confront a ‘glass ceiling’ while men are more likely benefit from escalator’. But what happens when do achieve leadership roles? And sorts of positions given? This paper argues now achieving high profile positions, than find themselves on cliff’, such their risky or precarious. hypothesis was investigated an archival study examining performance FTSE 100 companies before after appointment male female board member. The revealed during period overall stock‐market decline those who appointed boards were have experienced consistently bad preceding five months men. These results expose additional, largely invisible, hurdle need overcome workplace. Implications for evaluation leaders discussed directions future outlined.