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Women in grassroots leadership: Barriers and biases experienced in a membership organization dominated by men
Author(s) -
Kaufman Eric K.,
Grace Pat E.
Publication year - 2011
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.20188
Subject(s) - grassroots , feeling , face (sociological concept) , psychology , value (mathematics) , social psychology , qualitative research , leadership development , qualitative analysis , public relations , political science , sociology , politics , social science , law , machine learning , computer science
Among governing boards traditionally dominated by men, the presence of women is becoming more common. However, these women may face prejudices and discrimination that prevent them from feeling and ultimately being successful. This qualitative study focused on the experiences of women who participated in a grassroots organization's leadership training program. Interviewees revealed that they believed gender‐related obstacles were preventing them from being effective leaders. Four significant themes emerged: persisting stereotypes and bias, separation and isolation, desire for change, and potential for added value. In response, the authors recommend organizations and practitioners engage in more intentional and complete implementation of path‐goal theory throughout the leadership development process.