Have you ever noticed how people in senior management of corporations tend to be considerably taller than the average? I've read numerous studies that said senior executives (especially CEOs!!) are about 3.5 inches taller than the average person. This tends to be true for men or women!! ! Although, more so for men - the majority are definitely over 6 feet tall. Seems to be less forgiving for men than women for sure, as I would venture to say that a man who's 5'6 tall would have a harder time climbing to the top levels of management than a woman who's 5'2 - just my impression.
In my present and past jobs in the corporate world, I would say that these studies definitely confirm my firsthand observations.
This seems to be more the case in the U.S.A., Canada and Germany than any other country again based on my impression. I can't see this being the case so much in countries like Japan or France.
Actually the same seems to be true for U.S. presidents from what I read. But for big dictators of the past, it wasn't true.
So, is it really some sort of sub-conscious Darwinism at work?? Like, people think, look at this guy, he's tall and therefore going to be solid in this position and not back down from the tough issues? Seems kind of superficial rather than based on merit or any other relevant criteria, but I guess that's the kind of world we live in!! ! par for the course...
12 Aug 2012, 8:31 pm
