Term of Award
Fall 2011
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Education Administration (Ed.D.)
Document Type and Release Option
Dissertation (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development
Committee Chair
Linda M. Arthur
Committee Member 1
Barbara Mallory
Committee Member 2
Paul "Mac" Brinson
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences in the professional lives of female superintendents in Georgia to better understand the role of resilience when faced with adversity. The researcher utilized a mixed method design to determine the strategies employed by female superintendents to successfully overcome adversity and become more resilient. The experiences of female superintendents and strategies utilized in the position when faced with adversity were explored by administering a Leadership Resilience Profile questionnaire followed by in-depth interviews with five Georgia female superintendents. The questionnaire featured a rating scale to identify each participant's perception of individual resilience strengths as well as demographic data. Eighty percent of the participants indicated having held the position for five years or less, and ninety-two percent succeeded male superintendents. Four themes emerged from the women's stories during the interview phase. Female superintendents perceive themselves to be value-driven and exhibit perseverance by focusing on priorities until success is attained. Female superintendents persistently refuse to give up. Having the resources of a strong personal and professional support base to help during tough times is vital to the success of female superintendents. The female participants described a strong spiritual life which provided a source of strength during difficult times. Conclusions drawn from the study indicated that not only did the participants reveal resilience through the data collected on the Leadership Resilience Profile Questionnaire, but the follow-up interviews indicated that adversity remains inherent in the position and female superintendents in Georgia demonstrate resilience. Varied and numerous strategies were employed by each female which strengthened their ability to demonstrate resilience and be successful in Georgia's top-ranking leadership position.
Recommended Citation
Simmons, Kathy H., "Overcoming the Odds: An Exploration of Resilience Strategies Used by Female Superintendents in School Districts in Georgia" (2011). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 388.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/388
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
