Mothers of Leadership: An Examination of Motherhood's Effect on Female Leadership Styles
Open Access
Author:
Hesse Smith, Alejandra
Area of Honors:
Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Neil Frederick Fogarty, Thesis Supervisor Forrest Briscoe, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
motherhood leadership productivity leadership styles motherhood and leadership
Abstract:
This research explores the intersection of motherhood and leadership. An examination of existing literature on three leadership styles and qualities associated with who and what makes an effective leader begins this research. This establishes a foundational understanding of leadership to lead into the examination of motherhood’s effect on female leadership styles in the workplace. A qualitative research study consisting of 5 interviews with mothers from differing backgrounds and perspectives was performed to discern potential correlations between motherhood and the effectiveness of their leadership. Through written narrations and qualitative analysis, patterns and themes shed light into the relationship between being a mom and being a leader. This study contributes to a small field of research into motherhood and leadership in the workplace.
