D.B.A.  Baker College (Michigan), 2019.
Specialization:  Management; Women's studies; Transportation

The determining factors that allow women to excel to top leadership positions
156 pages. UMI #: 22617994
Citation, Abstract & Full text in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database

Effective leadership is essential for the success of an organization. The problem was the lack of female managers being promoted to top leadership positions in the transportation industry in Michigan. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to determine the factors that enable women to achieve leadership positions in the transportation industry in Michigan and the elements that may prohibit women from advancing to leadership roles. The theoretical framework for this study was based on the leadership styles developed by Kurt Lewin (democratic), Rensis Likert (participative group), and James MacGregor Burns (transformational). The sample consisted of 12 female leaders in the transportation industry in Michigan. The participants were randomly selected from 79 transit agencies. The research questions examined the factors that affect the advancement of women to leadership roles, the organizational culture that contributes to the advancement of women leaders, and the effective leadership styles of women in leadership positions. The data collection was through individual interviews with open-ended questions. The researcher interpreted the participant responses and identified the themes associated with each research question. Ten themes emerged from the results: (a) Transit agencies are still considered as a male-dominated industry; (b) management should hire qualified applicants regardless of gender; (c) family responsibilities may affect the advancement of female employees; (d) women should attend training sessions, conferences, and associations to prepare for promotions; (e) transit agencies must implement gender equality; (f) job opportunities and training resources should be available to all employees; (g) organizations need to develop a culture that is supportive and accepting of the advancement of female employees; (h) democratic leadership style; (i) transformational leadership style; and (j) collaborative leadership style. This research is advantageous for women who are striving to achieve leadership status in the transportation industry.

• Bernice Folz, Ph.D., Chair
• Peggy Houghton, Ph.D.
• Helen Bojarczyk, Ph.D.