Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Marlon Sukal

Abstract

Women account for 47% of the total workforce in the United States, but only 27% of women hold executive positions. The purpose of this study was to assess whether and to what extent a significant relationship exists between self-control and grit, as well as the effect that both have on female leader emergence within male-dominated industries of manufacturing, computer science, and engineering in the United States. The goal of this research was to show how gender stereotypes shape a woman’s journey to leadership, with a focus that does not characterize women as victims of discrimination, but rather empowers women to influence existing stereotypes and develop their leadership potential through the regulation of their behavior. Role congruity, which focuses on dimensions of gender at work in society, and leadership and hierarchical goal theory, which focuses on goal paths through the use of self-control and grit, were used as theoretical frameworks to guide this study. The variables were measured using 6 reliable surveys; 164 participants completed the surveys. Linear regression and mediation analysis were conducted using bootstrapping and a Sobel test. The results determined that there was a significant relationship between self-control and leadership emergence, as well as between grit and leadership emergence. Mediation was not significant in the indirect effect of self-control and leadership emergence when controlling for grit (Path B). This study provided information on two positive behaviors that have not previously been studied within male-dominated work environments. Women may apply these findings to support their own success, rather than hoping that an organizational environment will improve or change to allow for their emergence into leadership.

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