Transitioning process to an organizational leardership position: a study with women

Abstract

Women face challenges and constraints in reaching leadership positions in organizations. This research aims to describe the process of transition of women to a leadership position in an organizational context and the representations of young women regarding that process. In order to achieve this, two studies were conducted. Study 1 used semi-structured interviews with women who recently experienced the transition process. In study 2, a questionnaire with open questions was applied to 30 young university women. Data were subjected to categorical content analysis. The results allowed us to identify three phases in the process of transition to a leadership position - Learning, Empowerment and Consolidation. It was also identified that throughout the transition process women experience difficulties assuming the new role, gaining recognition of the leading role and changes in relationships. Representations of young women meet these women's experiences and we see they are aware of the role of gender stereotypes in female leadership.