Qu'est-ce que Glass Ceiling ?
Definition
The glass ceiling is a metaphor for the invisible but persistent barrier that prevents women and members of minority groups from advancing to the highest levels of organisations — not because of lack of qualifications or performance, but because of structural and social barriers. The term was coined in the 1970s and remains highly relevant today.
In practice
The glass ceiling manifests in underrepresentation of women and minorities at board, C-suite and senior management levels across virtually all industries. Contributing factors include: biased performance evaluation criteria that reward masculine-coded behaviours; sponsorship gaps (senior leaders more readily sponsor people like themselves); career interruption penalties disproportionately affecting women; lack of flexible working at senior levels; and outright discrimination. In Belgium, the gender equality index measures representation and pay gaps. Some sectors are introducing board diversity quotas. Research consistently shows that gender-diverse leadership teams outperform homogeneous ones on financial and innovation metrics — making the glass ceiling a business problem, not just a social one.
Key takeaway
The glass ceiling is not broken by individual women "leaning in" harder — it requires structural changes to promotion criteria, sponsorship practices, and flexibility policies.
Définitions connexes
Hiring Discrimination
Unlawful treatment of candidates based on characteristics protected by law (gender, origin, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) rather than on competencies.
Gender Bias
Set of conscious or unconscious prejudices that disadvantage one gender over another in recruitment, promotion and salary decisions.
Pay Equity
Principle that employees performing equal work or work of equal value should receive equal pay, regardless of gender, origin or other personal characteristics.
Inclusion
Organisational practice of creating an environment where every individual — regardless of background or identity — feels valued, respected, heard and able to contribute fully.