Collection Procedures 23
Discussion of Findings Related to the
Discussion of Findings Related to the
Findings Related to Leadership Styles 51
1 Qualitative Results of Interview
2 Qualitative Results of Interview
3 Qualitative Results of Interview
4 Qualitative Results of Interview
5 Qualitative Results of Interview
6 Qualitative Results of Interview
Several questions have emerged as a result of perceived differences between male and female leaders. For example, does the institutional environment change when a female assumes the leadership role? Are financial solvency and institutional stability perceived differently when females function as institutional leaders? Does institutional stress levels increase, decrease, or remain unchanged? Do changes in communication styles and patterns occur? Are there differences in interpersonal interactions between and among institutional groups? Are specific leadership styles, behaviors, traits, and characteristics perceived, ascribed, or expected solely on the basis of gender? The need for answers to these questions led to the present research.
The following research question was used to guide the project: Are their distinctions between male and female leaders in institutions of higher learning, with regard to leadership, fiscal health management, stress management, and the way they initiate the change process?
One of the most dramatic changes of the last few decades has been the movement of women into the American labor force. In 1950, only 33.7 per cent of women participated in the labor force. However, by 1985,54.5 per cent of women participated in the American labor force (Rix, 1998). Further, Parilla (1993) predicted that women would constitute 64 percent of all new labor force entrants by the year 2000. Noting that this prediction has been realized, Boatright and Forrest (2000) questioned whether specific gender-related differen...