Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Ian Cole

Abstract

Large emergency management organizations are organizations in which women are known to be hindered from becoming leaders. However, the effects that lack of opportunities for advancement has on women’s motivation and workplace attitude have not been thoroughly addressed. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of women working at a large emergency management organization, specifically how perceptions of the glass ceiling affected their motivation and attitude in the workplace. The research questions were focused on gender limitations in career advancement, motivational factors, including extrinsic and intrinsic, and the morale of women who had experiences with gender limitations, or have empathy for those who have. Seventeen participants, with an employment time frame ranging from 3 months to 25 years, were interviewed using open-ended, semi structured questions. Thematic coding was used to analyze the data. The study results indicated that there are still gender limitations for women who want to advance in their careers in emergency management; however, it is improving. In addition, motivation was positive overall and prevailed with intrinsic factors. Participants had low morale but were motivated at work. The study may lead to positive social change by providing a better understanding of the social issues related to the glass ceiling in emergency management organizations. This knowledge may improve administrators’ decision-making in selecting organizational leaders and improve women’s opportunities for equity and advancement in the workplace.

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