Exploring Demands and Resources for Mothers in Leadership Roles

Abstract

Objective: this study investigates how mothers in leadership positions manage their motherhood and work responsibilities. The job demands-resources (JD-R) model served as the theoretical lens for the analysis. Method: a qualitative and exploratory study was conducted with 18 women employed in large organizations in Brazil. The data were analyzed through content analysis. Results: findings support key aspects of the JD-R model while also revealing additional resources and demands. Self-imposed maternal standards emerged as a personal demand, whereas workplace prejudice and discrimination and the lack of organizational support upon returning to work were identified as job demands. In contrast, remote work and flexible scheduling were essential job resources, while managerial skills and support networks were found to be important personal resources. The results also showed that the challenges of balancing motherhood and work responsibilities led some participants to forgo higher-level positions in their organizations. Conclusions: the study contributes to the literature by introducing new job and personal demands and resources within the context of motherhood. From a practical standpoint, the findings underscore the need for organizational policies to support working mothers, which may foster their representation in leadership roles and help mitigate workplace inequalities.