Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Lacey Logan
College
Business Administration
Discipline(s)
Business
ORCID Identifier(s)
0009-0000-3908-0333
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-25-2024
Abstract
This proposed study aims to explore the impact of diversity on organizational leadership, with a particular focus on gendered experiences. Despite the global acknowledgment that diversity enhances organizational performance, leadership paradigms have historically been shaped by attributes predominantly exhibited by men. This research seeks to examine how different strengths, as identified by the StrengthsFinder assessment, influence leadership experiences and perceptions among male and female students in leadership roles. Specifically, the study will explore (1) the impact of StrengthsFinder results on students' leadership practices, (2) the perceived barriers and facilitators to leadership roles and how these may differ by gender, and (3) the relationship between StrengthsFinder results and the recognition of leadership effectiveness from peers' perspectives.
Through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, this study will collect qualitative data from students with leadership positions and their peers. This data will provide insights into how individual strengths influence leadership practices and the perception of leadership effectiveness. Through thematic analysis, the research aims to uncover patterns and themes that illustrate ways in which gender and identified strengths contribute to leadership experiences. This study not only seeks to contribute to the understanding of how gender and strengths impact leadership but also to inform practices that foster more inclusive and effective leadership in organizations.
Recommended Citation
Plachta, Allison, "Exploring the Impact of Diversity on Organizational Leadership: A Gendered Perspective on Strengths and Leadership Experiences among Students" (2024). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1341.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1341
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Allison is a business major with an emphasis in Human Resources graduating in May 2024. Her interest in gendered experiences in leadership stems from her firsthand involvement in various leadership roles. Motivated by her coursework and discussions with Dr. Lacey Logan, Allison is diving deeper into the development and perception of women in leadership, seeking to contribute meaningful insights to the field.