Dimensions of the Glass Ceiling in the Hospitality Industry

Abstract

Studies about the glass ceiling, which describes the invisible barrier that asseems to restrict women and people of color from promotion to firms' top echelons, are primarily descriptive or anecdotal. Focusing specifically on women, this study surveyed 234 women executives in the hospitality industry. The study used factor analysis to discover the underlying dimensions that can support or hinder women's advancement to executive positions. Findings suggest that there are four dimensions comprising qualities essential to promotion, eight dimensions relating to women's personal strategies, and four dimensions relating to company strategies regarding advancing women's professional careers. The four essential qualities are: an appropriate personality, street smarts, political savvy, and intelligence (although the last factor has the weakest influence on promotions). Strategies that women have found effective for advancement include: being proactive in leadership and professional development, making sacrifices, developing support systems (including mentors), and being willing to make changes (including moving to new locations or employers). The corporate factors involve these four aspects: formal policies, such as identifying talented people and preparing people for promotion; maintaining an appropriate corporate culture (that is, one that accepts women as leaders); rejecting negative stereotypes; and supporting and encouraging women in their quest for promotion. While the components relating to advancing women can be identified, the hospitality industry offers many promotional paths-and the factors are weighted differently for each individual. That is, there are many paths to the top.