Dissertation
It takes more than one: a phenomenological study of women superintendents' experiences of using developmental networks for career success
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
28 Sep 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000581
Abstract
Despite decades of efforts to increase gender equity in the K-12 superintendency, the underrepresentation of women remains a significant issue. While women constitute 76% of a teacher force, only 25% of superintendents are women, suggesting that women may face organizational and socio-cultural barriers in attaining and remaining in K-12 superintendency positions. Lack of understanding regarding how to support women in the organizations may hinder their leadership accession and career success. Current research on developmental networks as one of the ways to mitigate the negative effects of the glass ceiling has shown that the benefits for women may increase if women are participating in various developmental relationships that constitute developmental networks. This phenomenological study explored the compositions and functions of the developmental networks as well as the value and benefits of using such networks in overcoming gender-related barriers for women. This study used seven in-depth interviews of the active and retired women superintendents residing in California. The research questions used were: (a) how do women superintendents describe their experiences of using developmental networks?; (b) what are the benefits of using developmental networks, according to study participants?; and (c) how do the study participants describe the role of developmental networks in overcoming gender-related barriers when ascending to superintendency? Following data analysis using in-vivo and descriptive coding and considering current available literature, three interpreted results emerged: (a) women's developmental network structure, type of network, and range of benefits depend on women's career needs, goals, personality, and motivation; (b) building and maintaining relationships within developmental networks determine quality of mentoring; and (c) strong awareness of the self, organization, and leadership expectations contribute to women overcoming gender-related barriers and advancing in K-12 settings. Recommendations that may increase the number of women leaders attaining superintendency positions are to: (a) create training opportunities and systems of support for the aspiring women to increase their understanding of the value of the networks; (b) improve gender equitable practices when preparing, selecting, and hiring women for the top leadership positions; (c) audit the traditionally accepted leadership capacities and behavior expectations through equitable lenses to ensure that they eliminate gender biases related to the leadership behavior expectations; and (d) provide programs and opportunities within organizations for women to participate in formal and informal mentoring within work schedules.
Metrics
46 File views/ downloads
57 Record Views
Details
- Title
- It takes more than one
- Creators
- Nataliya Panasiuk
- Contributors
- Salvatore Falletta (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xiii, 127 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991015606366004721