The Glass Ceiling – report shows women are more likely to get an interview than men for administrative positions – Brief Article
Even though two-thirds of public school administrators are men, women who apply for administrative posts may have a better chance than men of getting interviewed, according to a new study in the Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education.
In a study that used hypothetical job applicants, female administrator candidates were evaluated significantly more frequently than their male counterparts. The researchers worked with a random sample of 150 high school principals with an average of 18 years of teaching experience and 12 years of administrative experience. These principals were asked to assess the qualifications of hypothetical candidates in communications, disciplinary ability, overall warmth and growth potential for an assistant principal position.
The study cites several explanations for the favorable treatment given female candidates: the deliberate courting of women to fill an existing void; the fear of employment discrimination; and a growing perception that women administrators are more dependable, flexible and collaborative.
The researchers–Susan Bon Reis, assistant professor of education at Pennsylvania State University; Phil Young, a professor at Ohio State University; and James Jury, former superintendent in Christian County, Ky.–published their findings in an article, “Female Administrators: A Crack in the Glass Ceiling,” in the journal’s March 1999 issue.
Copies of the article are available from Paul Blaum of Pennsylvania State University at 814-865-9481
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