Does the Gender of a Leader have an Impact on Leadership in higher Education?

Abstract

To understand the significance of the experience of being a female leader in higher education, phenomenological research was done, the results of which are summarized in this article. Due to disparities in the representation of female leaders, barriers to advancement, and disconnects in development activities, the experience of women is challenging. Ten individuals were the subject of in-depth interviews, which produced four major themes that shed light on this interaction. In all higher education leadership positions, the four themes are common. Which are: (1) what women are fighting for (2) how they survived adversity (3) how they interact with others and (4) how they move forward. Further details regarding how women handle their personal and professional life as well as leadership roles in higher education were revealed by the studies. In addition, what challenges women faced in achieving leadership roles in higher education, as well as their management and leadership philosophies.

Keywords: women in leadership; higher education leaders, transformational leadership style