Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2015 Skills women bring to the position of chief of police Jo-Ann Helen Savoie Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Business Commons, Other History Commons, and the Women's Studies Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral study by JoAnn Savoie has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Carol-Anne Faint, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Michael Ewald, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Judith Blando, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2015 Abstract Skills Women Bring to the Position of Chief of Police by Jo-Ann Savoie MA, Royal Roads University, 2009 BA, The University of Western Ontario, 1992 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2015 Abstract Organizational leaders are unaware of the gender-specific leadership skillsets women possess to increase organizational effectiveness and how to address potential barriers for assuring these skillsets are recognized as effective. Of the estimated 69,000 police officers serving in Canada, approximately 14,000 are women. Of those 14,000, only 10% hold a senior rank, and less than 3% hold the position of Chief of Police. Technology speed, globalized crime, and shrinking budgets have created a need for a new style of leader in policing, and increasing the representation of women may address this need. This multiple case study used the concept of doing gender and transformational leadership for its conceptual framework, and was designed to identify the skillsets that women bring to the chief of police position to increase the effectiveness of recruiting and promotional boards’ decision process. Data were gathered from government resources, newspaper articles, and information provided by 13 female participants who had held the position of Chief of Police in Canada. Coding and analyzing the responses showed 3 underlying themes that the participants considered mandatory for the position of chief of police: higher education, political and business acumen, and effective interpersonal skills. Higher education improves critical and creative thinking, while enhancing analytical skills and improved understanding of self. Political and business acumen is important for women, as their voices are often marginalized in community dialogue, and effective interpersonal skills. The implications for positive social change include promoting awareness of the skillsets women can develop while maximizing existing resource talent. Skills Women Bring to the Position of Chief of Police by Jo-Ann Savoie MA, Royal Roads University, 2009 BA, The University of Western Ontario, 1992 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2015 Dedication This doctoral study is dedicated to my best friend and husband, Paul Robichaud. Your love and support throughout the process was unconditional. When I was locked in my office till all hours of the morning, or doing my first oral defense in Maui the week of our wedding, you understood what was required. When I thought I had enough and couldn’t go any further, you encouraged me. Thank you for enforcing “If it were easy, everyone would have a doctorate.” You made me feel smart, and for that, I will always love you. Acknowledgments Completion of this study would not be a reality without the generosity and unwavering support of my doctoral committee. My committee chair, Dr. Carol-Anne Faint, was invested in me from day one and made me feel special and that my work was important. Her encouragement and support went beyond a normal chair’s responsibilities; for that, I cannot thank her enough. Dr. Michael Ewald and Dr. Judith Blando also deserve a heartfelt thanks for not only service on my committee, but also for giving of their time and encouragement. I also would like to thank Dr. Reggie Taylor, my methodologist, who insisted on perfection and making my paper a better product. I would also like to thank my family. My father, Phil, told me I had moxey at 16 and to never be afraid to try new things. I want to thank my sisters, Jayne and July, and my brother, David, for their daily text messages encouraging me and checking in to see how I was doing throughout the process. Other “thank you”s: To my sisters-in law Michelle, Myra, and Wendy who always took interest and encouraged me throughout this journey. To my dearest friends, Mags, Melanie, and Maureen, whose friendship took a back seat while I dedicated myself to completing this paper, and a special “thank you” to my Walden classmate and dear friend Krista Laursen. Krista, you set the path for me to follow. I am thankful our friendship continues even after graduation. Table of Contents List of Figures .................................................................................................................... iv Section 1: Foundation of the Study ..................................................................................... 1 Background of the Problem .......................................................................................... 2 Problem Statement ........................................................................................................ 5 Purpose Statement ......................................................................................................... 6 Nature of the Study ....................................................................................................... 6 Research Question ........................................................................................................ 8 Interview ................................................................................................................. 8 Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................... 10 Definition of Terms ..................................................................................................... 11 Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ............................................................. 14 Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 14 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 14 Delimitations ......................................................................................................... 15 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................ 15 Contribution to Business Practice ......................................................................... 16 Implications for Social Change ............................................................................. 17 A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ............................................. 17 Historic Perspective of Women in Policing .......................................................... 21 Doing Gender ........................................................................................................ 26 Alpha Females and Queen Bees ........................................................................... 29 i The Need for Mentors and Networking within Policing ...................................... 32 Police Culture ........................................................................................................ 36 Organizational Change .......................................................................................... 41 Police Leadership in the 21st Century .................................................................. 44 Transformational Leadership ................................................................................ 46 Transition and Summary ............................................................................................. 48 Section 2: The Project ....................................................................................................... 49 Purpose Statement ....................................................................................................... 49 Role of the Researcher ................................................................................................ 50 Participants .................................................................................................................. 51 Research Method and Design ..................................................................................... 52 Method .................................................................................................................. 52 Research Design ...................................................................................................