Inequality between genders in the executive suite in corporate America: moral and ethical issues

Abstract

We examined the role gender plays in managerial stereotypes and changes that have occurred in the US for executive women in the workforce. We also investigated factors and personality traits that affect advancement into upper management for all executives and those that affect women in particular. Despite increased organisational sensitivity, public policies, and equal rights legislation, women continue to be underrepresented in corporate America. Pay increases and promotions for females have not kept pace with those for men. Study results also indicate that managerial womenwho juggle jobs and family life benefit from these multiple roles, but women who put off marriage and family to build top‐level careers suffer in later years from greatly reduced chances of finding spouses and having children. Further adaptation of organisational culture in the new economy, weakening of the glass ceiling phenomenon, and family friendly work policies may alleviate some of the difficulties experienced by women who want it all.

Citation

Elmuti, D., Lehman, J., Harmon, B., Lu, X., Pape, A., Zhang, R. and Zimmerle, T. (2003), "Inequality between genders in the executive suite in corporate America: moral and ethical issues", Equal Opportunities International, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 40-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610150310787351