Date of Conferral
12-15-2025
Date of Award
December 2025
Degree
Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)
School
Management
Advisor
Roger Mayer
Abstract
Women’s underrepresentation in executive leadership remains a persistent challenge for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The SME leaders face difficulty identifying effective strategies to promote and integrate women into executive roles, which limits diversity in decision making and organizational performance. Grounded in social role theory and intersectionality, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry research project was to identify and explore effective strategies SME leaders used to advance women into executive positions. The participants included eight SME leaders in northern Alabama with direct experience implementing such strategies. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s sixstep thematic analysis framework. Four strategic themes emerged: (a) building inclusive cultures that enable equitable access, (b) institutionalizing advancement pathways for women, (c) empowering women through supportive organizational structures, and (d) leveraging inclusive leadership to drive innovation and performance. Findings suggest that dismantling structural barriers, embedding mentorship and sponsorship, and aligning leadership development with transparent, equitable practices are essential strategies for SME leaders to strengthen diversity and innovation. The implications for positive social change include the potential to expand equitable access to executive leadership by equipping SME leaders with gender-inclusive practices. Women aspiring to leadership roles, human resource professionals, and business executives may benefit from these findings, which support inclusive decision-making, talent development, and broader community representation.
Recommended Citation
Wright, Artema L., "Strategies Small and Medium-Size Enterprise Leaders Use to Include Women in Executive Roles to Increase Diversity in Decision Making" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 18868.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18868
