The lived experiences of female leaders in two university
settings: Perceived supports, barriers, and challenges
Authors
Publication date
1 January 2015
Publisher
'Robertson Library, University of Prince Edward Island'
Abstract
The dearth of women in higher education both as full professors and senior
administrators is alarming, and the factors impeding their entrance and limiting their
advancement are relatively unknown. The purpose of this research was to document the
lived experiences of women leaders who were full professors or who held senior
leadership positions in two universities in Atlantic Canada. I researched the perceived
supports, challenges, and barriers that women leaders faced in their professional lives, as
well as the influence of gender in their leadership positions. I approached the research
from a social constructivism standpoint and utilized a phenomenological research design.
I used standpoint theory to analyze the data. Data sources included two interviews with
each participant and a seven-day leadership journal from each participant. Women noted
multiple supports, challenges, and barriers in their personal and professional lives.
Supports include husbands, mentors, workshops, and networking. Challenges and
barriers included children, colleagues, work/life conflicts, invisibility, and a lack of
leadership development programs. Findings indicated that gender equality has not been
achieved in the postsecondary setting, and gendered expectations, sexism, and
discrimination remain strong barriers for women. Applying standpoint theory, the social
location of the participants impacted their lives, opinions, and views of leadership in
postsecondary institutions. Their lived realities and experiences changed over time as the
academic and institutional culture changed over time, and, as such, their views about
women and leadership were altered. Implications of this work are that university leaders
need to create supports for women and make them easily accessible, and create a women-friendly environment that will increase the ease with which women can enter, advance,
and succeed in the institution.
Keywords: women‘s studies, leadership, higher education, senior administration,
professorshi
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