Date of Award
Summer 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Committee Chair
Elizabeth Jones
Abstract
This mixed methods convergent parallel study explored the leadership experiences of women in mid-level and senior-level roles within the information technology (IT) industry in the United States. Grounded in the Feminist Theory and Glass Ceiling Theory, the study examined workplace factors influencing professional growth, organizational environments, coping mechanisms, and retention strategies. Quantitative data were collected using the Gender Bias in the Workplace Scale (GBWS) and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square goodness-of-fit tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The findings revealed that mentorship, sponsorship, informal networks, and self-advocacy were critical factors influencing advancement. Organizational environments were found to be complex, with formal support systems coexisting alongside informal barriers. Participants employed both internal and external coping mechanisms, including self-efficacy, strategic communication, and peer support, to navigate leadership challenges. Retention was influenced by organizational support, professional development opportunities, representation, and meaningful engagement in work. The integration of findings supported the presence of systemic barriers consistent with the Glass Ceiling Theory while highlighting individual agency as described by the Feminist Theory. The study concluded that advancing and retaining women in IT leadership requires intentional organizational practices that promote equity, transparency, and inclusion. These findings provide implications for organizational leaders, leadership preparation programs, and policymakers seeking to improve gender equity in IT leadership.
Recommended Citation
Foster, Kashalett Y., "Strategies That Work: Lessons From Women In Mid- And Senior-Level Information Technology Leadership For Building Inclusive Organizational Cultures" (2026). Doctor of Education Dissertations. 298.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/education-dissertations/298
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