Glass Half-Broken: Shattering the Barriers That Still Hold Women Back at Work

by Colleen Ammerman, Boris Groysberg

Why the gender gap persists and how we can close it. For years women have made up the majority of college-educated workers in the United States. In 2019, the gap between the percentage of women and the percentage of men in the workforce was the smallest on record. But despite these statistics, women remain underrepresented in positions of power and status, with the highest-paying jobs the most gender-imbalanced. Even in fields where the numbers of men and women are roughly equal, or where women actually make up the majority, leadership ranks remain male-dominated. The persistence of these inequalities begs the question: Why haven't we made more progress? In Glass Half-Broken , Colleen Ammerman and Boris Groysberg reveal the pervasive organizational obstacles and managerial actions—limited opportunities for development, lack of role models and sponsors, and bias in hiring, compensation, and promotion—that create gender imbalances. Bringing to light the key findings from the latest research in psychology, sociology, organizational behavior, and economics, Ammerman and Groysberg show that throughout their careers—from entry-level to mid-level to senior-level positions—women get pushed out of the leadership pipeline, each time for different reasons. Presenting organizational and managerial strategies designed to weaken and ultimately break down these barriers, Glass Half-Broken is the authoritative resource that managers and leaders at all levels can use to finally shatter the glass ceiling.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Womens

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 13, 2021

Reviews

[Kris Doyle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I listened to the book. It sounded like a robot was used to narrate the book which is the primary basis for the low rating.

[Kallen Tu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explains a lot of current-day issues that women face in the workforce. I went into the book expecting nothing, and at the end of it, I had a better overall understanding of the journey that many other women face in order to do something so simple as getting respect and recognition for their work.

The personal stories and recollections help you empathize and really think about your own life in comparison.

The authors do a great job of listing out gendered problems and their potential solutions, writing in a very hopeful tone for the future.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This carefully researched and engagingly told account explores the reasons that women still feel stymied at work and what they and the business community can do about it. The strategies described can apply not just to women but to people in other marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, Blacks, Asians, and Native Americans. I was left feeling relieved that the answer wasn't merely "Women just want to do other things" but far more nuanced and complex. Recommended reading for anyone of any persuasion in any industry.

[Núbia Mota · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ótimo livro que explora dados e histórico do porquê as mulheres ainda são minoria em cargos de liderança.
Apresentando pesquisas, depoimentos e casos práticos de como empresas e gestores podem trabalhar para promover um ambiente mais diverso. Diversidade traz resultado, é muito além do que uma questão de fazer o que è certo, é sobre também fazer o que dá certo e vai garantir o futuro do seu negócio.

[Heather Poco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly insightful read that gives actionable advice to push back against inequality.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read about inequalities and barriers in the workplace faced by many women , and ways we can all work to alleviate and change those inequalities and barriers and level the playing field.

[Kathy Cowie · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be reviewed in the July-August issue of Global Business and Organizational Excellence.