ORCID Identifier(s)

0000-0003-3059-7410

Graduation Semester and Year

2017

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Communications

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Dustin Harp

Abstract

This study explores gender equality in the workplace using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Two sets of data were analyzed: leadership training and development materials and in-depth interviews. This two-fold method allowed for a holistic approach to analyzing data and made it possible to compare findings from the textual analysis with insights gained from the interviews. This study revealed a lack of attention being devoted to developing and promoting leadership training materials and experiences that acknowledge gender differences and encourage gender equality. It was determined that overall, gender associated rhetoric used in the course titles and descriptions made up barely 6% of the total word count. However, the focus of leadership development materials were nine times more likely to support the leadership development of men based on the topics of the courses offered. Only four courses focused on topics supporting the development of business and financial strategic acumen. Interviews exposed the belief that many of the most important leadership skills that women possess are not learned, but rather they are innate. Women also believed that their most beneficial development experiences came from collaborative interactive encounters where they had the opportunity for discussion, particularly mentorships.

Keywords

Gender bias, Workplace inequality, Leadership development

Disciplines

Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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Included in

Communication Commons

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