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The term "glass ceiling" was coined by two Wall Street Journal reporters in 1986 to describe the "invisible but impenetrable barrier between women and the executive suite." In the decade since, women have made undisputed progress in gaining entry to higher management in corporate America. For example, between 1982 and 1992 the number of female vice presidents increased by 75% and the number of female executive vice presidents more than doubled, according to one recent study (Korn/Ferry International, 1993). However, until Catalyst undertook an enumeration in 1996, no systematic research had been conducted to document the extent to which women have actually advanced to positions of senior leadership. Previous studies had estimated the figure at 3% to 5% (Catalyst, 1990; Korn/Ferry International, 1979), but researchers could not verify the accuracy of these estimates as they were derived from surveys of various sample populations. Even the US Glass Ceiling Commission failed to provide a baseline measure of women's representation at various levels of corporate management. (Federal Glass Ceiling Commission, March 1995).
This paper presents findings from recent Catalyst studies on women in leadership in corporate America, discusses their implications for the continued existence of organizational barriers to women's advancement - the glass ceiling - and outlines corporate strategies for addressing these obstacles. Finally, it offers examples of successful initiatives undertaken by leading corporations committed to ensuring a level playing field for all employees in their organizations.
Catalyst is a nonprofit research and consulting organization that works with business and the professions to effect change for women. Founded in 1962, Catalyst has a dual mission: to enable women to achieve their maximum potential and to help employers capitalize on the talents of their women employees. Catalyst's published research documents women's progress and prospects in corporate management and professional firms, and investigates what works to advance women in business organizations. Through consultative assistance to individual companies, Catalyst provides the help organizations need to make real change for women, as well as providing a service to place women on corporate boards. Perhaps most critical to Catalyst's mission is disseminating the facts about the progress of women. Precise information lets employers see the success of organizations that are effectively attracting, developing and retaining women. In business, there is no greater...