Examining the perspectives of women managers on the 'Glass Cliff' in the context of leadership, gender and ethnicity: A Study in the furniture industry

The main purpose of the research is to examine the perspectives of women managers in the furniture sector on the glass gap concept. The research was applied to 15 mid-level female managers working in furniture production factories in İnegöl district of Bursa province through a semi-structured interview form. In the research, the scenario-based experimental study developed by Ryan and Haslam in 2005 was utilised. Participants' leadership preferences, perception of glass cliff in the context of gender and ethnicity, and their perspectives on the causes and consequences of glass cliff positions were investigated. As a result of investigating the perception of the glass cliff in the context of leadership, the importance of interpersonal relationships, sensitivity to employee welfare and motivation was emphasised and it was found that it was desired to work with leaders with female leadership qualities during the crisis period; although not explicitly, the glass cliff was supported in the context of leadership. As a result of investigating the perception of glass cliff in the context of gender and ethnicity, it was concluded that in the dimensions of 'Suitability', 'Leadership' and 'Trust', candidates are preferred regardless of gender and ethnicity in line with their education, experience and skills, and glass cliff was not supported. It was determined that the participants accepted the glass cliff positions because they trusted their experience and abilities, saw it as a career opportunity and that the managerial position, albeit risky, would increase their job satisfaction. It was concluded that the participants who accepted the risky managerial position were determined to remain in the managerial position even if their psychological resilience was damaged or the balance between work and private life was disrupted, and that they would not quit their jobs in the process of coping with the crisis because of their high self-confidence, determination, commitment to their companies and care about taking responsibility; they would not roll off the glass cliff. Keywords: Glass Cliff, Gender, Crisis, Leadership.