Social Systems Patterned in Organizational Structures: Understanding Mentorship for Women Leaders

• In Event: 63.084 - MTCC Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: 63.084-11 - Networking and Mentorship Supports for Women

Abstract

In 2017, 21.8% of university presidents leading doctoral granting institutions were women. (American Council on Education, 2017). In this study, eight women presidents of doctoral granting institutions were interviewed to understand how mentorship supported career navigation. Findings indicated that each of the participants reported a greater degree of support from informal versus formal mentorship relationships, and gained a greater degree of support from male mentors. Participants reported mentorship connected to opportunity as most beneficial. Mentorship is connected to power, and people in power make powerful mentors. Focused mentorship can support women in navigating organizational structures, and persistence to leadership positions.

Authors

• Tania Reis, Gannon University

• Marilyn L. Grady, University of Nebraska-Lincoln