Proceedings of The 6th Global Conference on Women’s Studies
Year: 2024
DOI:
[PDF]
The Glass Ceiling Examined: Bias Against Women in US Business Performance Evaluations
Jennifer Emerling Bone
ABSTRACT:
Gender constructions have a significant influence on our expectations of others. These constructs, deeply rooted in societal norms, shape our understanding of how individuals should act and communicate based on their gender. These gender constructions often create barriers for women, especially for those seeking leadership advancement and promotion at work. This paper addresses how constructions of gender and communicative norms in US businesses shape leaders’ assessments of their employees. A rhetorical analysis reveals how perceptions of gender in dominant US culture continue to persist, how particular gender norms limit leadership opportunities based on stereotypes embedded in performance evaluations, and how unconscious biases create barriers to women’s advancement in the workplace. By understanding these dynamics, we can explore how deeply ingrained gender constructs reinforce the glass ceiling phenomenon. Breaking free from these constraints requires a concerted effort to challenge and reshape the underlying gender norms and biases that influence the language used, and ratings granted, on performance assessments. This analysis invites a discussion on the importance of fostering workplace inclusivity while dismantling barriers to ensure equitable opportunities for all individuals seeking leadership advancement.
keywords: communication, discrimination, double-binds, gender, leadership