How Do Women in Higher Education IT Construct Their Leadership Identities? A Qualitative Study

• In Event: Women and STEM Education

Abstract

In an era when gender diversity in leadership is increasingly critical, this paper explores the experiences of six women in higher education IT with constructing their leadership identities. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study delves into challenges that women experience in identifying and presenting themselves as leaders in male-dominated organizations. This research uncovers the intense identity work that precedes the social expression of leadership identities, set against complex social dynamics within organizational contexts. Findings reveal the obstacles these women encounter in claiming and establishing leadership roles, underscoring the need for actionable insights. This research serves as a catalyst for transformative change, offering guidance for women in IT and their organizations to foster inclusive, supportive environments for women’s leadership development.

Author

• Amy Barry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln