The Glass Cliff: Exploring the Dynamics Surrounding the Appointment of Women to Precarious Leadership Positions

Michelle K. Ryan*, S. Alexander Haslam

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

601 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper we explore the "glass cliff" form of discrimination. We review archival and experimental evidence of the glass cliff and identify multiple processes as having the potential to contribute to the phenomenon. We also outline a range of potential reactions to the phenomenon, and we elaborate strategies for eliminating glass cliffs, but, as with other forms of (gender) discrimination, we argue that these depend on the capacity for disadvantaged groups to overcome resistance on the part of those who are motivated to maintain the status quo. Copyright of the Academy of Management, all rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)549-572
Number of pages24
JournalAcademy of Management Review
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2007
Externally publishedYes

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