Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Cracks on the Glass Ceiling

I really wonder if the concept of "glass ceiling" effect exist in Malaysia contextually. Or if this phenomenon existed more obvious in other countries, besides a country like ours? I ponder for awhile after my presentation on the topic of Women's Career Advancement in our Malaysian context. Suggestions and constructive comments from the floor gave me a deeper insight of how I should be conducting my research. Was it a good presentation? I asked myself that question several times, seeking feedback from other course mates and the professor.

Some of the comments given triggered my thoughts. A PhD student suggested that the methodologies used should be a "mixture" of quantitative and qualitative approach in getting data from the respondents. Another suggested that my specific objectives should exclude some elements that I have included earlier. With almost the completion of my research, I felt bothered with these comments. Another student, a Research Assistant in my varsity had been really helpful. Even after our class, she took some of her personal time to assist me, advising me on how I should continue the research after those comments by others. She was so thoughtful that she even arrange a meeting for me with the professors over the weekend. That... was something I have never thought a person would do for another person that she barely knows.

Another thought arise though out my drive home. I was overwhelmed by the concern of these people that I only met once a week, a three hour duration. They reach out their hands regardless of the different race and ethnicity. Somehow I believe that the 1Malaysia implementation existed in between the lines.

Anyways, after the presentation, I got to know that one of my classmate, a female, had just been promoted to a VP post in the banking industry. Well, I guess the glass ceiling has its cracks somewhere....somehow.

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