Abstract
Despite strides, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, a disparity that invites a deeper understanding of underlying factors, including the unexamined influence of religiosity. An explanatory sequential mixed methodological approach revealed unique insights. Among a nationally representative sample of men and women (n = 1150), the quantitative analysis suggested that religiosity contributed to the leadership journey for men, but the relationships were more complex for women. Religious women of all ages were more motivated to lead than non-religious women. However, once age was considered, non-religious women attained higher leadership positions than religious women. The qualitative phase, consisting of 12 interviews with diverse organizational leaders, highlighted that motivation to lead alone was insufficient for leadership attainment. Three processual pathways emerged (flexible schedule, flexible growth, forge through) that aided the leadership journey. Analysis revealed the synergistic relationship between personal resources and organizational policies, particularly for women navigating structural inequities in traditional occupational systems. Integrating both studies, several promising steps for promoting leadership attainment among women of faith emerged. First, when organizations had a transformative purpose such that the focus was on contributing to the common good, this amplified the positive effect of religiosity on motivation to lead. Second, when organizations had usable work-life balance practices perceived as accessible without stigma and alternative pathways to leadership, religiosity contributed to leadership attainment. Organizational purpose, usable work-life balance practices, particularized personal resources, and flexible models for career trajectories are untapped opportunities to encourage religious women to leverage their ambition and attain higher-ranking leadership positions.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Women--Leadership; Leadership in women; Women--Religiousness
Date of Award
2024
School Affiliation
Graziadio Business School
Department/Program
Business
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Cristina Gibson
Recommended Citation
Lusk, Carol, "The sacred and the secular: the impact of gender and religiosity on leadership" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1524.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1524
