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Women of courage: Leadership experiences of female Nigerian immigrants in Texas
Author(s) -
Nwabah Gladys Ifeyinwa,
Heitner Keri L.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of leadership studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.219
H-Index - 14
eISSN - 1935-262X
pISSN - 1935-2611
DOI - 10.1002/jls.20121
Subject(s) - courage , immigration , narrative , focus group , gender studies , interpretation (philosophy) , sociology , work (physics) , political science , psychology , social psychology , law , mechanical engineering , philosophy , linguistics , anthropology , computer science , programming language , engineering
Abstract A phenomenological hermeneutical research design served to explore the immigration and leadership experiences of 22 female Nigerian immigrants in Texas through analysis and interpretation of narrative data from one‐on‐one interviews and focus group interviews. The findings suggest that the process of adapting to American society and the work environment is not easy for female Nigerian immigrants. They must assimilate into American work culture and work harder to access leadership opportunities, despite their belief that equal skills should mean equal opportunity. Leadership experiences in America and Nigeria differ. Nigerian women's accents may generate negative reactions from native‐born workers, and immigrant leaders may experience differential treatment. Adjustment to the host country and leadership success for Nigerian immigrant women in the United States depends on strong family support and networking.