Is There a Glass Cliff in Municipal Management? Examining the Hiring and Departure of Women City Managers

Abstract

Women are underrepresented in public sector leadership, including the field of city management. There are several explanations for what might prevent women from achieving gender parity in city management. We examine one such explanation - a “glass cliff” phenomenon whereby councils are more likely to hire women as city managers during crises, potentially setting women up for failure in the profession. Using original observational data on city managers in Florida, we test whether municipalities are more likely to hire women during times of fiscal stress and whether women are more likely than men to leave the position if municipal finances do not improve. Our results show that increasing budget deficits are associated with municipalities hiring women managers. Post-appointment, a lack of improvement in the deficit condition is associated with a higher probability of women, but not men, leaving the position. This suggests that a glass cliff in city management may be one important factor that prevents women from advancing within the field.