Women's Advancement in Community College Executive Administration and the Impact of Social Role Expectation: A Qualitative Study

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EdD)

Committee Chair

Valerie Storey

Committee Member

Chad Weirick

Committee Member

Bora Pajo

Abstract

This research study investigates the societal and organizational perceptions of social roles in the workplace and contrasts them with the participants' professional experiences. The American Council on Education’s (ACE) Center for Policy Research and Strategy (CPRS) “The American College President” 2023 study confirmed that males continue to out-represent females in executive leadership in higher education by a rate of two to one. A qualitative study was conducted using an open-ended cross-sectional survey administered to executive-level leaders who participated in the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) Executive Leadership Academy. Respondents identified four key leadership characteristics essential for advancement in community college higher education in Ohio: Communication, Data-driven decision-making, adaptability/flexibility, and collaboration. Respondents also identified personality traits, leadership styles, and management techniques hindering advancement. Respondents identified high and low-importance factors and shared their experiences with mentors and gender dynamics in the workplace. The results provide a practical pathway to leadership in community colleges in Ohio, inform organizational leadership practices, demonstrate a continued need for gendered leadership research, and provide a “playbook” of characteristics and best practices that can be used as a foundation for continued research.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS