The Historical Perspective of Black Women in Leadership and the Complexity of Work/Life Balance

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Women Administrators; Leadership Role; Administrator Attitudes; Family Work Relationship; Feminism; Blacks; African Americans; Females; Race; Gender Differences; Social Class; Personal Narratives; Barriers; Work Attitudes; Intersectionality; Resilience (Psychology); Self Concept; Inclusion; Work Environment

979-83-8258-244-3

This dissertation adopts a critical theoretical framework that lends itself to Black feminist theory and work-life border theory to examine the multifaceted experiences of Black women in leadership roles. This study draws its inspiration from scholars such as hooks (1981), Collins (1990), and Clark (2000), this research explores the intersections of race, gender, leadership, and work-life balance through the lens of Black women's lived experiences. It delves into how these women negotiate the complexities of leadership while striving to maintain equilibrium between their professional and personal lives. Black feminist theory provides a foundation for understanding the unique experiences of Black women, emphasizing the intersections of race, gender, and class in shaping their identities and experiences (hooks, 1981; Collins, 1990). Work-life border theory, as developed by Kossek and Lautsch (2012), offers a framework to explore the boundaries between work and personal life and how they are constructed, negotiated, and managed by individuals. Combining these two theoretical lenses, this study aims to unravel the intricate dynamics of work-life balance for Black women leaders. The research employs qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and narrative analysis, to capture the voices and experiences of Black women in leadership roles across diverse industries and organizational settings. These interviews allow participants to recount their personal journeys, shedding light on the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to navigate the work-life balance tightrope. The findings of this dissertation will reveal the complexities of work-life balance for Black women leaders. They confront racial and gender biases in leadership roles, yet they also harness their unique intersectional identities as sources of strength and resilience. Participants' narratives highlight how they employ strategies such as boundary management, mentorship networks, and self-care practices to create a sense of equilibrium between their professional and personal lives. This research contributes to practical implications for organizations that will aim to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership. By centering Black women's experiences and perspectives, this study leverage our understanding of the challenges they face and how they navigate through the challenges without adding additional pressure on self. Acknowledging and addressing these challenges can inform the development of more inclusive workplace policies and practices, ultimately fostering greater representation of Black women in leadership positions. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

As Provided

2024

ED653770