Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Compreca Martin

Abstract

Women of color have been underrepresented in hospital leadership positions and face challenges in advancing their careers. The benefit to hospitals providing women of color with training and support to move into leadership positions may be improved patient outcomes. Grounded in the interactional model of cultural diversity framework, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of women of color advancing in leadership roles in hospitals and their impact on patient outcomes. The study participants included 16 women of color in leadership positions from hospitals in a western U.S. state. Data were collected through semi structured interviews. Resulting themes included (a) lack of mentorship opportunities; (b) discrimination; (c) lack psychological safety; (d) importance of representation by women of color; (e) women of color need to lead and support diversity, equity, and inclusion; (f) focus on performance and quality improvement; and (g) leading with values. Implications for positive social change include understanding the impact of racism and sexism on women of color leaders and developing programs that encourage more women of color to aspire to and work towards leadership positions. This will increase the number of women in hospital leadership roles and ultimately can help to improve health care for everyone.

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