Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Publication Source

International Journal of Educational Management

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenology study was to understand the experiences of women principals located in Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA) district of the Central Region of Ghana, a patriarchal and traditional society. Specifically, this study examined how cultural factors positively or negatively influenced women access to the principal role and influenced their leadership experiences. Using Hofstede et al.’s (2010) six dimensions of national culture as a conceptual framework, this study elucidates the experiences of 12 women school leaders. Findings revealed that these women navigated cultural norms and beliefs in order to exercise their own leadership style and pursue their careers in education. These women leaders were also able to gradually change the teachers’ and community members’ mindsets on women and leadership. This study is significant because it informs educational reforms on gender equity and leadership preparation programs and sheds light on culturally informed leadership practices unique to women.

ISBN/ISSN

0951-354X

Document Version

Postprint

Comments

The document available for download is the authors' accepted manuscript, provided in compliance with the publisher's policy on self-archiving. Permission documentation is on file.

To view the version of record, see the journal website.

Publisher

Emerald Publishing

Volume

35

Peer Reviewed

yes

Keywords

Gender equity, educational leadership, woman leaders, Ghana


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