Dissertation

Superwomen Leading the World: A Mixed Methods Study of Black Women Leaders Managing Stress and Multitasking

Jones, Dawna M

2023

Overview

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the relationship between SWS, polychronicity, and stress and to explore the lived experiences of Black women who maintain multiple leadership roles at one time. Study participants in the quantitative phase of the study consisted of 93 Black identified women living in the United States; 20 participants from the quantitative phase additionally participated in virtual, qualitative interviews. Quantitative data was collected via Qualtrics and qualitative data was collected through Zoom. Data was analyzed using multivariate regression analysis for quantitative findings, and thematic coding in accordance with qualitative descriptive design. Findings indicated that there was a statistically significant relationship between Superwoman Schema and stress. There was no correlation between stress and polychronicity. Supplemental findings indicated a correlation between polychronicity and stress. Participants indicated several reasons for their polychronic leadership styles including behavior that was modeled by family and community members and a sense of duty to serve. Furthermore, participants saw multitasking as a necessity more than a preference and found it helpful in managing symptoms of anxiety. The findings of this study generate recommendations for practice and supplementary exploration of the relationships between stress, Superwoman Schema, and polychronicity.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subject: Black studies / Educational leadership / Organizational behavior / Womens studies
• ISBN: 9798379703202