Date of Award

2024-05-19

Degree Name

PhD Leadership Studies

Dissertation Committee

Cheryl Getz, EdD, Co-Chair Hans Peter Schmitz, PhD , Co-Chair E. Shirl Donaldson, PhD, Member

Keywords

organizational culture, organizational culture AND African Americans, Black women work experiences, sense of belonging for African Americans, and African American women in leadership

Abstract

Many organizations seek to highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, but African American women are still significantly underrepresented in leadership roles within the workplace (McKinsey, 2023). Within the technology (i.e., tech) space, there is concern regarding the inclusivity of African American women in leadership positions. A hostile and unsupportive environment raises concern for the future of African American women being able to attain key leadership roles. (McGee, 2018).

This study explored multifaceted experiences of eight African American women leaders in for-profit tech organizations. Black feminist thought and organizational culture and belonging were conceptual frameworks that shed light on the persistent barriers and cultural adversities. Narrative inquiry was employed to amplify participant voices through a three-phased data collection approach, including open-ended questionnaires, sista circle conversations, and follow-up interviews.

The study contributes to a broader discourse on how organizations can support the inclusion and advancement of African American women in leadership positions, ultimately enriching the diversity and effectiveness of leadership within the tech industry and beyond. The study identified four themes: (a) breaking barriers: Navigating isolation and echoes of exclusion; (b) African American women leadership: Normalcy of resiliency and supportiveness while experiencing cultural adversity; (c) perceptions of leadership and organizational culture; and (d) complexity and contradictions of sense of belonging. Using sista circle conversation in this study offered compelling evidence on the necessity of supportive networks and inclusive practices to enhance the presence and success of African American women in leadership within the tech industry and beyond.

Findings revealed a complex landscape where African American women navigate isolation and illuminates the remarkable resilience, persistence, and adaptability of African American women in leadership roles within the tech industry. The study underscored the critical importance of understanding the nuances of organizational culture and its impact on African American women’s sense of belonging and leadership experiences. This study contributes to leadership and belonging research while highlighting the importance of acknowledging historical and current factors that may hinder or enable a sense of belonging for African American women leaders in tech.

Document Type

Dissertation: Open Access

Department

Leadership Studies

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