glass cliff

Definition

The phenomenon where women and minorities are more likely to be promoted to leadership positions during crises when failure is probable, effectively setting them up as scapegoats. The ceiling breaks only when the building is on fire.

Example Usage

She's being promoted to CEO during our worst financial quarter—classic glass cliff situation where she'll take the blame for problems that started years ago.

Origin

Coined by professors Michelle Ryan and Alex Haslam in 2005 in their research on FTSE 100 companies

Fun Fact

Studies show women are 50% more likely than men to be appointed as CEO of a struggling company, but 30% more likely to be replaced quickly.

Source: Academic research on organizational behavior and gender studies

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incentivise

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