A Phenomenological Study on the Informal Learning Experiences of Female Mid-Level Administrators

Author

Kathryn L. CuramengFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2-16-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Jeffrey Lee

Second Advisor

Cheryl-Marie Osborn Hansberger

Third Advisor

Donald B. Scott

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study is to identify and describe the informal leadership development experiences of female mid-level administrators in private nonprofit higher education.

Methodology: This phenomenological study identifies and describes the informal leadership development experiences of female mid-level administrators in private nonprofit higher education institutions in California. Respondents were selected based on specific criteria and recommendations of a sponsor. The researcher collected data through semi-structured interviews and observations of participants.

Findings: Examination of the qualitative data from interviews with 16 female mid-level administrators working in private nonprofit higher education yielded nine major findings. These included 2 unexpected findings. The findings included critical and important revelations about the informal leadership development experiences of female mid-level administrators, the strategies they used to acquire leadership skills, and the challenges they faced.

Conclusions: The study supported nine conclusions based on data. These conclusions focused on the various aspects female mid-level administrators value in leadership, such as authenticity, and how their experiences in acquiring leadership skills vary not only from their male counterparts but also from each other.

Recommendations: Future qualitative or mixed methods studies exploring informal leadership development experiences are recommended. Additional studies on areas such as gender-based attributional ambiguity, intersectionality, gender identity, age, and the impact of remote work in relation to the informal leadership development experiences of female mid-level administrators would be highly informative.

Recommended Citation

Curameng, Kathryn L., "A Phenomenological Study on the Informal Learning Experiences of Female Mid-Level Administrators" (2023). Dissertations. 492.
https://digitalcommons.umassglobal.edu/edd_dissertations/492