What Is the Bamboo Ceiling?

Asian Americans – especially those from East Asian cultures such as China, Korea and Japan, which value harmony and humility over assertiveness and self-promotion – face a challenging yet invisible obstacle to their success. Experts call it the “bamboo ceiling.” In this Hubspot article, business journalist Mia Sullivan explains the unconscious biases that can come into play when American companies consider Asian American employees for promotion. Organizations can help these employees by offering more equitable career development pathways. Proactive employees also can become more self-promoting and consciously develop their own networks.