What is meant by the term "glass ceiling" in the workplace?

The term "glass ceiling" refers to an invisible barrier that limits the advancement of certain groups within the workplace, particularly women and minorities, despite their qualifications and achievements. This concept conveys that, while there may be no formal barriers in place preventing these individuals from ascending to higher positions, there are subtle social and institutional factors that hinder their progress. This includes attitudes, biases, and systemic inequalities that create obstacles to obtaining leadership roles.

This answer accurately encapsulates the essence of the "glass ceiling" by highlighting its nature as an unseen constraint rather than a tangible obstruction. The other choices, while they may touch on issues relevant to workplace dynamics, do not effectively capture the specific implications of the glass ceiling concept. For instance, training gaps do not specifically explain the limitations on advancement, physical barriers refer to literal obstacles (which do not describe the metaphor of the glass ceiling), and financial caps on salaries address compensation rather than promotion opportunities.