Abstract

The demographic composition of the United States is changing. In relation to race, the minority is becoming the majority. This demographic shift creates a more diverse workforce, which increases executive-level opportunities for Black professionals at corporate organizations. However, data indicates that very few Black people are in corporate organizations’ executive-level (VP, SVP, and C-Suite) roles. This study investigated tokenism’s role in developing Black executives’ leadership styles at global corporate organizations. The aim of this investigation focused on uncovering the experiences of Black executives in a corporate environment, including their leadership style. Phenomenological Inquiry served as the method to collect data. Five Black male and five Black female executives from global corporate organizations were interviewed to gather insights on their experiences. The data was analyzed and coded into five thematic categories: tokenism, leadership, intersectionality, diversity, and emotional reactions. The findings revealed that Black executives do not see themselves as tokens and that tokenism does not determine how they lead an organization. The findings support the following conclusions: (a) Black executives do not see themselves as tokens, (b) Black executives identify as authentic and transformational leaders, (c) Black executives’ performance and qualifications are judged differently before they are elevated to an executive and during their time as an executive, and (d) there is minimal support resources for Black executives. Insights from this research advances the discussion on tokenism, particularly regarding Black executives. The study identifies the experience of Black executives in line with Relative Deprivation Theory, which resulted in the creation of a potential additional theory entitled Corporate Resources Deprivation Theory, which posits that Black executives feel it is the lack of support resources that impacts their ability to be successful and resent the fact that they do not get the same suite of support resources as White executives. The study and potential theories provide information that may help support the success of Black executives in corporations that are working to advance diversity at the executive level of their organization.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Executives, Black—Leadership

Date of Award

2024

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Kifr Mordechay

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