Chapter 1 provided a substantive overview of this qualitative phenomenological research study addressing the challenges and underrepresentation of African American women holding senior-level positions within corporations. The problem is that African American women are the least represented ethnic group holding senior-level positions within corporations (Corporate Diversity, 2010). The number of African American women holding these positions is not representative of the African American population (Freeman, 2012; U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). Jackson (2004) pointed out that the senior level appointments of women have gone primarily to White women; thus African American women continue to lag significantly behind White women in holding senior level
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What connects them all; however, is their struggle to be accepted and respected members of society, and their desire to have a voice that can be heard in a world with many views (A. C. Collins, 2001, p. 29). There are various definitions for leadership; however, the differences in definition often reflect the professional and personal beliefs of the person or source providing the definition. All too often, the definition focuses on interpersonal influences that use power and authority to encourage others to work toward the achievement of a goal (Yukl, 2009). The subject of men and leadership has been extensively studied extensively; however, research on African American women in leadership has not as widely researched until recently (Chemers, 1997). Often, leadership is associated with power such as being in a position of authority and influence within an organization. As it relates to African Americans, race, gender, and social class often limits the prospect of leadership. Basically, leadership has been studied from the viewpoint of the white man (Parker, 2005). As a result, there is limited information available on how social power, authority and control impact African American women in leadership (Allen, …show more content…
This study seeks to contribute to the current literature on leadership by providing descriptions and analyses of the leadership journeys, stories and development of African American women. The process of examining African American women in leadership should increase the likelihood that barriers and pitfalls, which serve as roadblocks to the fulfillment of leadership positions are identified. Additionally, the research findings and results should provide useful information to senior leaders, who are in positions to reshape and restructure institutional and departmental policies, practices, and cultures. As Carter, Pearson, and Shavlik (1996) noted, leaders must identify and support the development of minority women leaders for the sake of the women themselves, the role they can play within an organization, and the contributions they can make to the quality of work (p.
What connects them all; however, is their struggle to be accepted and respected members of society, and their desire to have a voice that can be heard in a world with many views (A. C. Collins, 2001, p. 29). There are various definitions for leadership; however, the differences in definition often reflect the professional and personal beliefs of the person or source providing the definition. All too often, the definition focuses on interpersonal influences that use power and authority to encourage others to work toward the achievement of a goal (Yukl, 2009). The subject of men and leadership has been extensively studied extensively; however, research on African American women in leadership has not as widely researched until recently (Chemers, 1997). Often, leadership is associated with power such as being in a position of authority and influence within an organization. As it relates to African Americans, race, gender, and social class often limits the prospect of leadership. Basically, leadership has been studied from the viewpoint of the white man (Parker, 2005). As a result, there is limited information available on how social power, authority and control impact African American women in leadership (Allen, …show more content…
This study seeks to contribute to the current literature on leadership by providing descriptions and analyses of the leadership journeys, stories and development of African American women. The process of examining African American women in leadership should increase the likelihood that barriers and pitfalls, which serve as roadblocks to the fulfillment of leadership positions are identified. Additionally, the research findings and results should provide useful information to senior leaders, who are in positions to reshape and restructure institutional and departmental policies, practices, and cultures. As Carter, Pearson, and Shavlik (1996) noted, leaders must identify and support the development of minority women leaders for the sake of the women themselves, the role they can play within an organization, and the contributions they can make to the quality of work (p.