Above the Glass Ceiling? A Comparison of Matched Samples of Female and Male Executives

• Published in: Journal of applied psychology Vol. 82; no. 3; pp. 359 - 375
• Main Authors: Lyness, Karen S, Thompson, Donna E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Psychological Association 01.06.1997; American Psychological Association, etc
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Career advancement; Career development; Career Mobility; Careers; Comparative studies; Employee Attitudes; Employment discrimination; Employment History; Equal opportunities; Executives; Family Work Relationship; Female; Financial services; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gender; Gender differences; Gender Identity; Human; Human Sex Differences; Humans; Job experiences; Job Satisfaction; Male; Men; Middle Aged; Miscellaneous; Occupational Mobility; Occupational psychology; Occupational Status; Organizational Climate; Organizational Culture; Professional Development; Psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Salaries; Salaries and Fringe Benefits; Sexes; Social Justice; Statistical analysis; Studies; Top Level Managers; U.S.A; USA; Women; Work (Attitudes Toward); Human; Professional experience; Attitude; Sex; Job satisfaction; Manager; Career
• ISSN: 0021-9010; 1939-1854
• DOI: 10.1037/0021-9010.82.3.359

In this study the authors compare career and work experiences of executive women and men. Female ( n = 51) and male ( n = 56) financial services executives in comparable jobs were studied through archival information on organizational outcomes and career histories, and survey measures of work experiences. Similarities were found in several organizational outcomes, such as compensation, and many work attitudes. Important differences were found, however, with women having less authority, receiving fewer stock options, and having less international mobility than men. Women at the highest executive levels reported more obstacles than lower level women. The gender differences coupled with women's lower satisfaction with future career opportunities raise questions about whether women are truly above the glass ceiling or have come up against a 2nd, higher ceiling.