Research Article

Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis

Volume: 17 Number: 1 April 29, 2026
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Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis

Abstract

Aim: This study investigates the prevalence of "glass cliff" attitudes among Generation Z, a phenomenon where women are more likely to be appointed to leadership roles during periods of organizational crisis or decline. Specifically, the research aims to determine whether professional disciplines and academic socialization within the context of Turkish higher education influence the likelihood of Generation Z exhibiting these behaviors. Method: The study was conducted using a scenario-based approach with a sample of 60 Generation Z students. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis methods. Participants were selected from five different academic faculties: Administrative Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, and Tourism. This interdisciplinary approach allowed for a comparative analysis of how different educational backgrounds shaped perceptions of leadership and risk. Results: While there's no universal "glass cliff" pattern across Gen Z, significant differences emerged depending on faculty affiliation. Engineering students showed the most gender-neutral, performance-based preferences. In contrast, Education students were most likely to exhibit "glass cliff" behavior. Law and Administrative Sciences students showed a dual tendency toward both gender discrimination and "glass cliff" preferences, while Tourism students' responses remained inconsistent. Notably, the fact that 59% of those who chose female candidates for high-risk scenarios were women suggests an intra-gender dynamic consistent with the "Queen Bee" syndrome. Conclusion: The findings indicate that Generation Z's attitudes toward the glass divide are not uniform but are significantly influenced by their educational backgrounds. Educational background functions as a precursor to organizational bias, with some disciplines reinforcing traditional gender-risk relationships more than others. This suggests that gender-based organizational bias is a complex internalization of existing hierarchies and can even be reinforced by those within marginalized groups. Originality: This research offers a pioneering perspective on the glass cliff theory within the context of Generation Z and Turkish higher education. It expands the scope of the glass cliff theory by identifying academic socialization as a critical factor in the development of organizational bias, even before individuals enter the professional workforce.

Keywords

Project Number

Anadolu Üniversitesi BAP 1977

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Human Resources Management

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 29, 2026

Submission Date

February 10, 2026

Acceptance Date

March 24, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: 1

APA
Suvacı, B. (2026). Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis. Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 17(1), 242-256. https://doi.org/10.54558/jiss.1885732
AMA
1.Suvacı B. Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis. CAKU JISS. 2026;17(1):242-256. doi:10.54558/jiss.1885732
Chicago
Suvacı, Bahar. 2026. “Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis”. Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 17 (1): 242-56. https://doi.org/10.54558/jiss.1885732.
EndNote
Suvacı B (April 1, 2026) Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis. Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 17 1 242–256.
IEEE
[1]B. Suvacı, “Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis”, CAKU JISS, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 242–256, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.54558/jiss.1885732.
ISNAD
Suvacı, Bahar. “Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis”. Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 17/1 (April 1, 2026): 242-256. https://doi.org/10.54558/jiss.1885732.
JAMA
1.Suvacı B. Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis. CAKU JISS. 2026;17:242–256.
MLA
Suvacı, Bahar. “Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis”. Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, vol. 17, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 242-56, doi:10.54558/jiss.1885732.
Vancouver
1.Bahar Suvacı. Exploring Glass Cliff Behaviors Among Gen Z: A Faculty-Based Analysis. CAKU JISS. 2026 Apr. 1;17(1):242-56. doi:10.54558/jiss.1885732