Brenda has recently been denied a promotion. This is the third time she was turned down for promotion despite excellent performance reviews. Her manager assures her that she was qualified for the promotion but "that's just the way things go." After this latest disappointment, Brenda did an in-depth research on the history of her company. She found that only two women candidates had been promoted to upper management positions in the company's entire history. Which of the following factors is most likely obstructing Brenda's career growth?
A) a diversity-oriented employer
B) a wide span of control
C) the glass ceiling effect
D) the black swan effect
E) an affirmative action

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The glass ceiling effect refers to an invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing to higher positions in a company. Brenda's research shows that there is a history of women being denied upper management positions in her company, indicating that the glass ceiling effect may be obstructing her career growth. A diversity-oriented employer (A) and affirmative action (E) would work towards reducing the impact of a glass ceiling effect, but they do not necessarily guarantee that all qualified individuals receive equal opportunities for promotion. Wide span of control (B) and black swan effect (D) are not relevant to Brenda's situation.

Brenda Has Recently Been Denied a Promotion