Thriving and Striving: The Paradox of Leading and Following for Women Mid-level Administrators in the Community College

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the meaning that ten mid-level women administrators ascribed to the experience of being both a leader and a follower within the community college sector. Previous research indicates that mid-level women administrators are under-valued as leaders and followers despite their capacity and influential connectivity up, down, and across the organizational chart. Participants discussed their experiences through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and described the perceived effects of those experiences on their leadership and followership practices. Three overarching themes emerged from the transcript analysis of the narratives: leader identity construction; impact of following on leader identity construction; and navigating the community college environment. Implications from the findings suggest that community colleges can advance the mission of their organizations by leveraging mid-level administrator talent to build greater leadership capacity across the entire organization. Additionally, an intentional focus on identifying and eliminating implicit gender and racial bias will contribute to improved outcomes for faculty, staff, and students. By understanding the leading and following experiences of women in mid-level administrative positions in the community college, this study contributes to a broader inclusion of leadership beyond the privilege of senior-level positions.