Pipelines of Progress: An Update on the Glass Ceiling Initiative

ian. 1992 · U.S. Department of Labor

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The "glass ceiling" refers to those barriers that have prevented the advancement of women and minorities into the top levels of executive management in major U.S. corporations. In 1991, the U.S. Department of Labor released a report describing the Glass Ceiling Initiative. This document reports on what occurred in the year following the beginning of this initiative. The overall message is that while progress has been made in the workplace by minorities and women, the commitment and actions that led to the progress must be maintained and enhanced if the goal of full and equal employment opportunity is to be realized. The report discusses recent research data on workplace advancement, which show mixed results. Also noted is Department of Labor data on federal contractors, which show that minorities and women have made progress over the past 10 years. Much of the report concerns the progress of those companies the Department of Labor has monitored through Glass Ceiling Initiative pilot reviews and compliance reviews. These data are presented in anecdotal fashion highlighting a number of examples which show that glass ceiling barriers can be removed. The report cites the following barriers to career advancement and notes that they warrant greater attention: recruitment practices, lack of opportunity to contribute and participate in corporate development practices, general lack of corporate ownership of equal opportunity principles, performance measures, and mobility. The following methods are cited as successful approaches to removing glass ceiling barriers: tracking women and minorities with advancement potential, ensuring access and visibility, ensuring a bias-free workplace, and continued placement of women and minorities into entry-level professional positions. (DB)