ABSTRACT
Are women executives in state governments confronted with the "glass ceiling"? Using data from the American State Administration Project's 1984 and 1988 surveys, Angela M. Bullard and Deil S. Wright answer that and related questions. They find that women have made considerable inroads in securing top administrative posts, especially in certain types of agencies and newly created organizations. However, much of their progress has been accomplished by circumventing or avoiding rather than "breaking" the glass ceiling. The data also indicate female and male executives are-becoming more similar in terms of educational levels, types of graduate degrees, hours worked per week, the mix of administrative and policy functions, and salary levels. Differences in factors such as party affiliation, age, interagency mobility, career progress, and dependence on gubernatorial appointment remain noticeable.
