The “Glass Ceiling” Persists: Women Leaders in Communication Companies

Abstract

This article documents the number of women in executive positions and on boards of directors of the nation’s largest companies and looks at the human resources policies of these companies. On average women make up no more than 15% of top executives and even less of board directors, and no company has a majority of women in top executive positions or on boards. The article also examines the degree to which these firms provide benefits packages that address women’s needs. Although the percentage of companies that offer aU employees medical benefits of particular concern to women such as mammograms and annual gynecological exams is quite high, other benefits are still notably lacking. Programs that provide on-site early education and care are very rare as are programs that provide paternity benefits. Paid maternity leave at a minimum threshold is also offered to all employees by only half of the companies responding to our survey.

Key Words:

• Leadership
• corporate governance
• benefits
• gender