The "glass ceiling" statement is true in big corporations (you'll never get to the top if you have not graduated from the top Engineering Schools, even if you have the skills).
However, in Small & Medium Businesses, the startup movement has changed that a bit and the diploma is way less important than before.
In terms of mindset, it seems that it is an important part of our culture: Philippe d'Iribarne calls it "The logic of Honor" [1].
To sum up the differences between French and US management (at least, according to Iribarne)[2]:
- French relies on the concept of honor and duty. French employees consider that their honor and rank is way more important than their contract. You must manage with this in mind, and accept to be flexible in order to show consideration. You must also explain what are the limits so that employees will not go over them. Managers must give free space to their employees, being "invisible" when everything works out, respecting their honor, but must also go on the field when it goes wrong in order to show "how it's supposed to be done" and to inspire respect by example.
- US relies on honesty, and on the transparency of a work contract. Managers must control the work on their contractors on a periodic base in order to show interest and respect, as part of the contractual relationship.
=> In France, according to this study, the "Us vs Them" should be accepted by management as long as the companies goes well.
However, in Small & Medium Businesses, the startup movement has changed that a bit and the diploma is way less important than before.
In terms of mindset, it seems that it is an important part of our culture: Philippe d'Iribarne calls it "The logic of Honor" [1].
To sum up the differences between French and US management (at least, according to Iribarne)[2]:
- French relies on the concept of honor and duty. French employees consider that their honor and rank is way more important than their contract. You must manage with this in mind, and accept to be flexible in order to show consideration. You must also explain what are the limits so that employees will not go over them. Managers must give free space to their employees, being "invisible" when everything works out, respecting their honor, but must also go on the field when it goes wrong in order to show "how it's supposed to be done" and to inspire respect by example.
- US relies on honesty, and on the transparency of a work contract. Managers must control the work on their contractors on a periodic base in order to show interest and respect, as part of the contractual relationship.
=> In France, according to this study, the "Us vs Them" should be accepted by management as long as the companies goes well.
[1] https://www.ecole.org/fr/662/VA021205-ENG.pdf
[2] http://lirsa.cnam.fr/medias/fichier/diribarne2html__12633047...