The glass cliff: Understanding the precariousness of women’s leadership position and the underlying mechanisms

Women’s representation in senior leadership positions continues to be significantly lower than that of men, however, a small proportion of women do manage to break through the glass ceiling. This research summary provides a review of research into the glass cliff phenomenon whereby women who do break through the glass ceiling disproportionally occupy risky and precarious leadership positions. The summary explores multiple reasons for the glass cliff including an organizational desire to signal change and gender stereotypical leadership beliefs. We also question the explanation that women might be particularly drawn to risky leadership positions.