EXPERIENCES IN THE LEADERSHIP ADVANCEMENT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN Lisa E. Dubose A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF EDUCATION December 2017 Committee: Patrick Pauken, Advisor Dalton A. Jones, Graduate Faculty Representative Paul A. Johnson Angela R. Logan Paul Christian Willis © 2017 Lisa E. Dubose All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Patrick Pauken, Advisor The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the experiences in leadership advancement of African American women. Over 10 million African American women are in the civilian labor force (United States Department of Labor statistics, 2015)). The population of African American women with degrees having significantly increased over thirty years, with 264% more Bachelor’s degrees and 353% more Master’s degrees being earned, however barriers to opportunities continue to exist (Nooks-Wallner, 2008). Although anti-discrimination laws have existed since 1964, covert discriminatory patterns continue and are often entrenched in workplace systems, which prevent advancement opportunities (Cook & Glass, 2013) Phenomenology was the qualitative research method utilized for this study. Phenomenology is a scholarly study method that provides meaning-making, to more effectively comprehend the perspective of an individual or group of individuals. Meaning is gained through attaining data about situations or events surrounding a specific phenomenon. The intention is to determine how and why it influences others as it goes beyond the surface to gain depth. This study gathered data through various methods, such as an advance questionnaire, semi-structured interview protocol, review of participant leadership samples, and resumes/curriculum vitaes. This study contributes to understanding the leadership advancement experiences from African American women who have ascended to director-level or higher positions, across various industries. The key themes in this study were strategic preparation, and self- determination and courage. The data collected illustrate these themes and ten associated sub- themes. The purpose is to gain understanding from the experiences that influenced the iv advancement of African American women within this study into leadership positions. Interviewing African American women who have ascended into leadership offered contextual insight into their lived experiences, obtaining what they perceive helped promote their advancement into leadership positions. The themes may serve as a model for other African American women seeking advancement into leadership positions. Keywords: African American; leadership; leaders; career advancement; promotion; discrimination; barriers; concrete ceiling; glass ceiling; diversity; gender; race; Black; inequality; ethic of justice; ethic of care; women; black tax; phenomenology v I dedicate this dissertation back to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him will I trust. To my mother, Lois E. Dubose, who was my primary influence to advance into leadership. You taught me the importance of faith, family and believing in myself. Your final words to me were, “you have put your pursuits aside, to care for me. Now it is your turn, promise me you will complete your doctoral studies.” Mom, I kept my promise. I did it, this is dedicated to you. To my father, Loyd Dubose, moved his family north to give us access to greater opportunities. He was the hardest working man I have ever known. To my sisters, Sharon A. Taylor and Samantha A. Phillips, you were my first friends, my biggest supporters and my prayer partners. My life’s journey has been better because of you. vi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I acknowledge my dissertation committee Drs. Patrick Pauken, Paul Christian Willis, Paul A. Johnson, Dalton A. Jones, and Angela R. Logan. I extend my sincere gratitude for all of the time, influence, guidance, and advisement you provided through this dissertation journey. I acknowledge my ‘Ace’ Willie C. H. Garrett, for your prayers, support, love, road trips, conversations, laughter and friendship. You are a blessing to my life. I acknowledge my lifetime friend, prayer partner and confidant Lisa A. Boose who talked to me on my late-night drives from class weekly for the entire program and helped me calm my spirit and refocus myself when I became weary. I acknowledge my beloved family members, numerous dear friends and prayer partners who continually checked on me, prayed with, for and over me. I acknowledge my sorority sisters Dr. Marie Bush, Julia Holt, and Dr. Patrice McClellan and professional colleagues Dr. Brittany Barhite and Dr. Natalie Jackson, who were my peer reviewers, proof readers or offered exceptional academic insight. I appreciate your time, insight, expertise and assistance. I acknowledge and thank everyone who extended prayers, sent cards, called to check-in, brought meals, made me laugh and take breaks, made me rest, and genuinely offered support and encouragement. Family, friends, church members and sorority sisters you are a blessing. I acknowledge the dynamic women who served as participants in my study. You are extraordinary leaders, and your generosity in sharing your lived experiences brought my study to life. Thank you. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION... ................................................................................. 1 Background ............................................................................................................ 1 Purpose Statement………………………………………………………………... ... 5 Research Questions………………………………………………………………… 6 Significance of the Study ………………………………………………………… .. 6 Theoretical Framework…………………………………………………………… .. 7 Definitions of Key Terms...………………………………………………………… 8 Methodology………………………… ...................................................................... 11 Participants ..................................................................................................... 11 Limitations ..................................................................................................... 12 Delimitations……… ...................................................................................... 12 Summary….…… ....................................................................................................... 12 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE…. ............................................................ 14 Theory Framework ..................................................................................................... 15 Ethic of Justice ............................................................................................... 16 How Shall We Govern Ourselves? ................................................... 18 African American Perspective of Justice Ethics: Siddle Walker and Snarey ................................................................................................ 21 Ethic of Care .................................................................................................. 22 Mutuality of Growth: Act of Caring and Being Cared For ................ 27 African American Perspective of Care Ethics: Siddle Walker and viii Snarey ................................................................................................ 32 Ethic of Justice and Care Intersection ............................................................ 35 Women in Leadership ................................................................................................ 38 Glass Ceiling .................................................................................................. 39 Women of Color in Leadership .................................................................................. 42 Concrete Ceiling ............................................................................................ 44 Glass Cliff ...................................................................................................... 47 Application of Justice and Care ................................................................................. 50 Application of Justice: Key Laws and Agency Guidelines .......................... 51 Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. .......................................... 51 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. .................................. 52 Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (1978) ....... 53 Affirmative Action ............................................................................. 53 Federal Glass Ceiling Commission…. ............................................... 54 Application of Care: Advancement Opportunities ....................................... 55 Government Recommendations ......................................................... 58 Business Recommendations ............................................................... 58 Conclusion…………………… ................................................................................. 59 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY ............................................................................. 61 Qualitative Research .................................................................................................. 61 Research Methodology .................................................................................. 62 Phenomenology……… .................................................................................. 62 Researcher Subjectivity ....................................................................