Why aren’t there more Asian Americans in top corporate level positions in America?” was the question posed by John Y. Chiang, chief financial officer of Pacific National Bank, to an Asian Business League of San Francisco leadership panel.
Approximately 100 professionals gathered at the PG&E Building in San Francisco on Sept. 20 to hear PG&E Vice President of Energy Procurement Fong Wan, Reed Smith attorney Catharina Yoosun Min and Witt/Kieffer consultant Steven Yamada tackle this topic.
Yamada cited a disconnect between traditional Asian values and those of corporate America.
“Asians are taught to be humble, not assertive,” Yamada said. “We also face discrimination and stereotypes. We may be technically competent, but we’re told and viewed only as team players, not leaders.”
“We also lack the networks needed to move up the corporate world,” Min added. “Circles of supporters and friends can help nurture and carry you throughout your career.”
Are Asian Americans facing a “bamboo ceiling”? The term made popular by author Jane Hyun, a former human resources executive at J.P. Morgan, is a play on glass ceiling, which refers to the barriers that often confront Asian Americans trying to reach the high ranks of corporate America.
Though Jerry Yang of Yahoo! and Steve Chen of YouTube are a few of the more well-known exceptions, statistics indicate that a glass ceiling is at work.
A 2004 study conducted by Harvard Business School’s Gordon C.C. Liao and Philip Tseng reports that though Asian Americans are one of the fastest-growing groups in the United States labor force, they remain one of the least represented groups in senior management ranks at Fortune 500 companies.
Asians currently hold 1.5 percent of corporate board seats among Fortune 500 companies, a slight increase from 1.2 percent in 2005, according to a Committee of 100 corporate report card.
The panel offered advice on how to break through the bamboo ceiling.
“The first thing you need to do is believe in yourself, because if you don’t, no one else will,” said Wan. “Also, don’t be afraid to take risks or change jobs. If you feel like you’re stuck and unable to move up, try moving laterally.”
“Very few people will read your full reports — it’s all about your oral presentation skills and what you say. That is the most important skill to develop,” he added.
Min also suggested networking and seeking leadership roles whenever possible, even if that means gaining leadership experience by volunteering at local organizations or churches.
“This way when you’re called upon in a leadership role at work, you will be able to do it,” said Min.
Yamada said one does not need to give up their Asian values to move up the corporate ladder — they just need to be willing to learn new skills.
“Don’t be afraid to sell yourself or brag about your accomplishments,” said Min. “If you don’t promote yourself, no one will.”
Visit www.ablsf.org.