What is it about?
This article investigates whether the “broken rung” the missing first step to managerial promotion or the “glass ceiling” the invisible barrier at senior levels—poses the greater obstacle to women’s career advancement. Using comparative data and leadership frameworks, the study examines organizational dynamics that hinder women’s progression across sectors, with a focus on healthcare and business administration contexts.
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Why is it important?
The study advances the gender equity conversation by pinpointing where interventions should begin at entry-level promotion systems or executive decision-making levels. Findings reveal that addressing early-career advancement barriers may have a greater long-term impact on female representation in leadership. The research offers practical recommendations for leaders, HR professionals, and policymakers to develop more equitable career ladders and close the gender leadership gap.
Perspectives
The findings open the door for longitudinal studies examining how early career interventions influence women’s advancement over time. Future exploration could evaluate the effectiveness of targeted leadership development, sponsorship programs, and inclusive performance metrics in closing the leadership gap across industries.
Dr Vernette Grant
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Broken Rung vs. the Glass Ceiling: Assessing the Greater Barrier to Women’s Career Advancement, Open Journal of Business and Management, January 2025, Scientific Research Publishing, Inc,,
DOI: 10.4236/ojbm.2025.135181.
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