Women CEOs in the Cooperative Extension System : seeking connection between early life experiences and leadership development

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and describe key early life experiences, defined as early childhood through early career, which have contributed to the leadership development of the women CEOs who function in patriarchal organizations, the state-based Cooperative Extension System. The target population for this study was all nine women who have served or currently serve as a state Chief Executive Officer in the Cooperative Extension System. At the time of the inquiry, six women served as Extension CEO, one was retired, and two had been promoted to different positions. Although job titles varied, job responsibilities were consistent, with the identified CEOs having primary leadership for CES management and operations. In-depth interviews were conducted with all nine women CEOs. Data were analyzed using the constant-comparative method in order to obtain a complex, in-depth understanding of the events as they were experienced by the participants. The analysis gave rise to findings in areas that connect early life experiences to the leadership abilities of these women in a patriarchal organization. Four themes of early life experiences emerged from the data that relate to the strongest characteristic shared by these women CEOs, the development of self-confidence: having been raised in an environment that is free of gender bias; strong father figure influence; recognition of their leadership abilities by others, being chosen for leadership roles; and the experience of taking charge of a situation. This study also found that developing leadership is a continuous, life-long process. The family influence was significant in establishing basic life values and a foundation upon which future events and experiences unfolded and had meaning. Strong women role models/mentors throughout early childhood and career, as well as key male role models, helped the women mold their leadership approach in order to meet the challenges of a patriarchal organization with long-standing traditions. The third finding relates to how the women CEOs in the Cooperative Extension System cope with being a distinct minority in the highest level of the organization by minimizing gender role.