Intended Date of Award

2017

Degree Name

Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA)

Chair

Kris Norman-Major

Vice-Chair

Carol Becker

Committee Member

Jane McPeak

Second Committee Member

Jodi Cokl

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore women in executive leadership positions in traditionally male-dominated public-sector organizations. This research will determine whether women entering into these positions have the ability to change the culture of a traditionally male-dominated institution so that women are regarded as equals to men in leadership success, team-building, solicitation of organizational input from subordinates, and overall operational efficiency in the organization. The study will also explore how uniquely feminine qualities contribute to a distinctively transformational leadership approach in women, challenging the common notion that only men are qualified to lead because of their traditionally aggressive “masculine” demeanor. The findings will encourage advocacy for equal opportunities for both women and men to attain executive leadership positions in their organization. To these ends, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with six women who are executive leaders within their respective organizations and asked them to narrate their experiences in their positions and the effects of their leadership styles, methods and approaches on the cultures of their organizations. This research also establishes the importance of subordinate buy-in and team collaboration to increase leadership efficiency within an organization.

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text

dc_publisher

DigitalCommons@Hamline

dc_format

application/pdf

dc_source

School of Business Student Theses and Dissertations

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