Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Management
Advisor
Dr. Cynthia Loubier-Ricca
Abstract
It is unknown how African American Women (AAW) perceived experiences involving the experience of the barriers faced when attempting to advance to executive levels in their corporate jobs. Existing literature showed that AAWs experienced several forms of discrimination, including racism, oppression, and limitations which were critical to examining their work experience and progressing up the corporate ladder. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to develop an understanding of lived experiences of AAWs when they apply for and fail to reach executive positions in the business services industry. The glass ceiling theory (GCT) and intersectionality theory (IT) were used to understand the study phenomenon. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed via thematic analysis. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 12 AAWs revealed three qualitative themes: challenges to career advancement due to workplace barriers and biases, failure to ascend due to discrimination against race and gender, and barriers to success in terms of the glass ceiling. Recommendations for future research include assessing mental and physical well-being for adverse outcomes, reviewing allyship experiences, and researching hiring biases. Recommendations for future practices included centering AAWs in terms of inclusivity and diversity policy creation and implementation, implementing external committee investigations, and implementing clear guidelines for hiring procedures and feedback assessments. Implications for positive social change included recognizing the need for equality practices in hiring AAWs.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Sheriley Yvonne, "Lived Experiences of African American Women Encountering Barriers in Executive Level Advancement in the Business Services Industry" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13790.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13790
