| The primary purpose of this qualitative research study was to determine factors, which may contribute to the low promotion-rate of African American women within corporate America. The study specifically explored the relationship between promotional advancement, ethnicity, gender, and the glass ceiling for African American women. For the purposes of this study, data analysis was conducted based on the rich descriptions resulting from interviews with 16 African American women in leadership positions across various industries. Identified in the interviews were barriers that included various forms of discrimination and stereotypes. The findings of the interviews were used to draw conclusions and make recommendations that could have a positive influence on grooming African American women who are seeking to climb the corporate ladder. To help overcome promotional advancement barriers, recommendations were made which included mentoring, networking, and job rotations to name a few. The value of this research is to use the information gathered in the study as a way to positively affect upward mobility for African American women. |
