Date of Award

Fall 12-1-2009

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Joshua Powers

Second Advisor

Katherine Sermersheim

Third Advisor

Kandace Hinton

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the job search perceptions of women recently interviewing for a Senior Student Affairs Officer (SSAO) position. Six women were interviewed using a semi-structured initial interview process and a reflective follow up interview. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and sent back to the women for their review. Six major themes were identified across the women's stories concerning the SSAO job search process: gender differences were perceived in the treatment of candidates during the SSAO job search process; communication is vital for women throughout the duration of the SSAO job search process; direct interaction with individuals on the interviewing campus impacted women's comfort level with the institution; low self-confidence and the need for external validation of their readiness and skill set were evident in their stories; women were intentional with their preparation and approach in all phases of the job search process; and all participants utilized family and support networks throughout their job search process. Utilizing the literature regarding women's leadership styles, gender role theory and sex role stereotypes, I analyzed the themes found from the studies and answered the three prevailing research questions: what perceptions do women have about the SSAO job search process; what challenges, if any, impact the career path for women SSA Os; and what barriers do women face in the job search process for the SSAO position? The strategies employed by these women in approaching and navigating their SSAO job search process served as a framework for discussion about the implications of gender, institutional policies and practices, and the roles of both candidate and institution within the SSAO job search process itself. From the women's stories, perceptions of barriers do exist for women both in their career path and in their job search process. Women still find that men are treated differently during an SSAO job search process, most notably regarding perceived sex roles and the characteristics these roles force upon women. Women also described situations that point out distinct barriers unique to women in the job search process including their own issues with self-worth and selfconfidence, the higher need for both communication and for involvement of immediate family, and a high need for an alignment between their values and the values of the institution. Furthermore, the women described several challenges regarding career advancement, including the need for positive mentoring, gender discrimination, and again, their own issues with self-confidence. The conclusions drawn from this study help shed light on the perceptions that women have of the SSAO job search process, which in turn assist colleges and universities in the development and execution of job searches on their respective campuses. Additionally, the study offers insight for female candidates themselves in order to help them take more control of their job search experiences.

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