A woman's place is in the lead: a narrative research study exploring nonprofit women leaders' experiences in getting to the corner office

Abstract

This narrative study examined the experiences of seven female leaders of nonprofit organizations to determine the factors for their success in attaining top positions in large organizations that are traditionally fronted by men. Role congruity theory served as the framework for the semi-structured interviews and subsequent analysis. Findings showed the biases and barriers they faced, the support networks they built, impact on family life, how their leadership differs from men, and advice they would offer women seeking to succeed in the leadership of similar nonprofit organizations. The women led organizations with budgets ranging from $13 million to $600 million. Recommendations for practice include use of executive coaches, female-centered leadership training, and intentional inclusion of women in leadership pipelines. Future research could center on women of color in nonprofit leadership the impact of growing nonprofit management degree programs, and examination of the diverse types of nonprofits and whether women are more likely to lead certain types of organizations within the sector.