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Seven women college presidents: Aspects of self and work
Abstract
The purpose of this study is two fold. First, it provides rich descriptive information on how seven women in the position of college president define and construct their work and secondly, it gathers information regarding their perceptions of the power of the presidency. This study incorporates a feminist paradigm throughout the research process. The research study is a collection of indepth interviews with seven female college presidents in New England. The sample was purposeful rather than random and the women were invited to participate based on diverse background, experience, and a willingness to engage in self-reflective dialogue. Participants are from public and independent two and four year institutions. The interview guide was utilized to collect the data and broad generalizations should not be construed from these data. Data analysis was approached with the feminist assumption that women are more likely to integrate the self with work and work with self. The approach that I have taken embraces the idea that it is important to understand not only the restrictive and narrow definitions that have prescribed roles for both men and women, but also women's subordinate position and marginal status in society. The data are organized into two areas, the first being "The Self in the Workplace". This section is designed to give insight into who the women are, what brought them to the position, their aspirations and their dreams for the future. The second section concentrates on "The Work of the President" and includes leadership and vision, management styles, decision making, and managing the job. Within both sections of the study a series of common threads emerge. The women in the study approach the presidency in a relational manner grounded in the context of the environment. The women grant great value to their relationships with the various constituencies in their respective institutions. Thus being relational rather than hierarchical in their interactions in the workplace is paramount. They view the presidency as expansive and inclusionary, and bring a collaborative, integrated approach to the position of president.
Subject Area
Higher education|Womens studies
Recommended Citation
Kipetz, Sharon L, "Seven women college presidents: Aspects of self and work" (1990). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9110168.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9110168