Reaching the top but not feeling on top of the world: Examining women’s internalized power threats

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.931314
• Publication Date: 2022-12-15T07:26:50Z
• Authors: Sanne Feenstra; Christopher T. Be...; Jennifer Jordan; Michelle K. Ryan; Janka I. Stoker; Floor A. Rink
• Keywords: Glass Ceiling

More and more women are breaking the glass ceiling to obtain positions of power. Yet with this rise, some experience threats their Here we focus on women's perceived stability power degree which feel they do not deserve positions, as reflected in impostor feelings. The present research identifies key workplace characteristics that associated these internalized survey data collected among 185 high-power positions. We find negative experiences (i.e., gender discrimination, denigrating treatment, lack cultural fit, mentoring) a greater sense threat, turn relates adverse outcomes reduced job satisfaction increased emotional exhaustion opting-out intentions). With unique sample high-powered women, our findings help illustrate forces make precarious, thereby shedding light disadvantages face. provide suggestions how reduce threats.