The Role of Interpreters in Sense-Making for Women Leaders

• In Event: Female Faculty: Response to Challenges in Higher Education

Abstract

Using twelve narratives written by women leaders in higher education, this inquiry illuminates how leaders engage an interpreter to help in sense-making in their leadership role. Interpreters, different from either a mentor or advisor, help leaders make sense through a dialogue that explores the leader’s assumptions and presents competing perspectives for consideration. Analysis of the narratives yielded themes about the interpreters’ contribution to leadership tasks (assuming the role, introducing change, balancing personal and professional life) and to leaders recognizing and valuing the interpreter role (identifying reliable interpreters, becoming one’s own interpreter). The significance is a relational perspective to expand sense-making theory and an illustration of the role and value of interpreters for these women leaders.

Authors

• Penelope M. Earley, George Mason University

• Jane H. Applegate, University of South Florida

• Jill M. Tarule, The University of Vermont