University of Twente Student Theses
A man’s world? : Challenges, strategies and reflections on the role of gender and the role of organisations in leadership, by female leaders working in higher education
Zomer, F.L. (2024) A man’s world? : Challenges, strategies and reflections on the role of gender and the role of organisations in leadership, by female leaders working in higher education.
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| Abstract: | Purpose – Nowadays, women are still underrepresented as leaders, causing imbalance in (leadership) qualities within organisations. To better understand the lack of representation and the role of gender in leadership, this study aims to explore what challenges and strategies female leaders perceive and use in their roles, and how their gender plays a role here. Moreover, the role organisations play is reviewed, recognising that ‘fixing women’ is not a solution on its own. Methodology – This study employed in-depth, semi-structured interviews, using the critical incident technique, with female leaders working in higher education (n = 20). In addition, a differentiation was made between academic and service employees. The interviews focused on challenges, satisfactory situations, and strategies used in both kinds of situations. Interviews also focused on the perceived role of gender in leadership, working culture, and organisational support. Findings – This study found six main challenges (relational aspects of leadership, facing gender bias, emotional aspects of leadership, intrinsic challenges, competitive culture, and positive action) and five clusters of strategies (systematic approach, building team cohesion, leadership development, persuasive communication, and conflict resolution). In addition, female leaders perceive that their gender plays a role in leadership, and they perceive a mainly masculine working culture with average organisational support. Differences between academic and service leaders are relatively small. Conclusion – This study shows that gender plays a role in leadership. Female leaders perceive challenges and strategies both related to gender and not related to gender. However, it is organisations that create working culture and provide a certain level of support to female leaders. Thus, both parties need to contribute to reach a balance in leadership. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Communication Studies MSc (60713) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/98740 |
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