Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Michelle Ross

Abstract

There are significant implications related to understanding perceived barriers experienced by women in local government. The purpose of this study was to identify career barriers of women executives in municipal administrations based on their own experiences. Approached using the situational leadership theory and role congruity theory and the narrative research design along with thematic analysis, this study was comprised of one-on-one interviews with nine female city managers currently working in Californian municipal administrations. Five themes (early influences, home life, work life, leadership experiences and development of others) were not only present within each of the participants’ experiences, but also represent influential times in their lives and careers. Barriers identified include gender bias, limited peer networks, having to participate in a form of role play (i.e., changing their personalities) to meet other’s expectations, lack of transparency among female city managers regarding demands of the job, and additional stress placed on personal relationships and family life. This study corroborates previous gender research involving discrimination, bias, stereotypes, and roles and supports understanding their lived experiences in order to help support advancement of women into executive leadership roles in local governments. The findings may be used by government administrators for positive social change to improve women’s job expectations.

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