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Women In Business Leadership: A Comparative Study Of Countries In The Gulf Arab States, Susan R. Madsen, Linzi Kemp, James Davis Feb 2014

Women In Business Leadership: A Comparative Study Of Countries In The Gulf Arab States, Susan R. Madsen, Linzi Kemp, James Davis

Susan R. Madsen

The purpose of this study is to investigate the status of women in leadership positions (senior executive and management roles) in private companies within the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (i.e., Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar, and United Arab Emirates). Henceforth in this article we refer to the countries collectively as either the Gulf Arab states or the GCC countries, and the countries by their common or shortened names (e.g., Bahrain, UAE). The study explores where women are located within the organizations (e.g., as board members, chief officers, …


Advancing Research On Women And Leadership: Developing An Hrd Scholarly Agenda, Susan R. Madsen, Julia Storberg-Walker, Kristina Natt Och Dag Feb 2014

Advancing Research On Women And Leadership: Developing An Hrd Scholarly Agenda, Susan R. Madsen, Julia Storberg-Walker, Kristina Natt Och Dag

Susan R. Madsen

Clearly, the topic of developing leaders is of utmost importance in all contexts and it is particularly important for the HRD discipline: over 1,400 journal articles in AHRD journals have the word ‘leadership’ as one of their subject terms. Almost monthly the front cover of the Harvard Business Review has ‘leadership’ boldly displayed, either as the main article or as a supporting news brief. Scholarly research abounds, and there are many leadership frameworks, models, and theories contributing to the quantity of research articles. Unfortunately, however, the diversity of ideas and the explosion of interest has generally not focused on an …


Progress For Women And Leadership In Qatar, Susan R. Madsen, Linzi Kemp Nov 2013

Progress For Women And Leadership In Qatar, Susan R. Madsen, Linzi Kemp

Susan R. Madsen

The purpose of this study was to research the state of affairs in Qatar in terms of the presence (or absence) of women in senior business leadership positions generally, and also where they are located within organizations (e.g., board members, chief officers, vice presidents, top management, division or unit heads). It is based on data mined from a major database in the Middle East North Africa (MENA), that tracks information about public and private companies in that region.


Women And Leadership In Bahrain, Susan R. Madsen, Linzi Kemp Feb 2013

Women And Leadership In Bahrain, Susan R. Madsen, Linzi Kemp

Susan R. Madsen

Most leaders in public, private, and social sectors across the globe now acknowledge the importance of developing both men and women for formal leadership positions, and scholars (e.g., Bass, 1990; Bennis, 1989) have conducted leadership studies for decades in various disciplines (e.g., education, management, psychology) to better understand how to effectively do this. Within the human resource development (HRD) field, Kowske and Anthony (2007), Ardichvili and Manderscheid (2008), and Madsen (2009, 2012a, 2012b) have specifically highlighted the importance of studying leadership development within the United States of America and beyond. Yet, studies coming from any discipline about developing women leaders …


Opportunities And Challenges Of Shifting Identities For Women Leaders In Higher Education, Susan R. Madsen Oct 2012

Opportunities And Challenges Of Shifting Identities For Women Leaders In Higher Education, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

It is clear that there are differing cultures, contexts, and complexities among the various groups within higher education, creating a “great divide” on many campuses across the globe. This includes the divide between current faculty and faculty who have transitioned into administration. This panelist has conducted in-depth research on the lived experiences of women university presidents in developing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies throughout their lives that are required for success leadership in higher education. Within this larger study, data were collected, using the phenomenological research approach, on the educational backgrounds, employment positions, career paths, and related struggles and …


Female Leadership Of Today In The United Arab Emirates, Susan R. Madsen, Linzi Kemp, Moh El-Saidi Oct 2012

Female Leadership Of Today In The United Arab Emirates, Susan R. Madsen, Linzi Kemp, Moh El-Saidi

Susan R. Madsen

This paper is based on data mined from a major database in the MENA region that tracks information about public and private companies. The paper, with nearly 1000 organizations analyzed, outlines the state of affairs in the UAE in terms of the presence of women in senior leadership positions.


Leadership Programs For Women In Higher Education, Susan R. Madsen, Karen A. Longman, Jessica Daniels Mar 2012

Leadership Programs For Women In Higher Education, Susan R. Madsen, Karen A. Longman, Jessica Daniels

Susan R. Madsen

The purpose of this abstract is to propose an AHRD conference symposium that will focus on leadership programs for women in higher education. This would be the first of four presentations, and will set the stage for a symposium that would be based on articles that will be published in a February 2012 Special Issue of Advances. I have discussed this with the Editor-in-Chief of Advances and the 2012 AHRD Conference Program Chair and received approval for this submission.


Mormon Women In Leadership: The Influence Of Their Religious Worldview, Susan R. Madsen, Valerie Hudson Oct 2011

Mormon Women In Leadership: The Influence Of Their Religious Worldview, Susan R. Madsen, Valerie Hudson

Susan R. Madsen

This paper will focus on the impact of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) worldview on women in leadership. The presentation will focus on four areas: (1) why examine the LDS worldview; (2), the LDS worldview concerning mortal progression, (3) the LDS culture, and (4) leadership development for LDS women.


Work-Life Issues And Strategies For Women Leaders Across The Globe, Susan R. Madsen Aug 2011

Work-Life Issues And Strategies For Women Leaders Across The Globe, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

Exploring the work-life issues and strategies for women leaders across the globe can provide valuable insights for scholars and practitioners in understanding similarities and differences among cultures. This paper reports on a portion of the data collected from four qualitative studies (e.g., Madsen, 2008) conducted between 2005 and 2009. The general purpose of each study was to explore the “lived experiences” (Van Manen, 2001) of women leaders in developing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies required for successful leadership. Hence, the overarching research question for each study was as follows: What are the lived experiences of women leaders in developing …


Empowering Women Across The Globe: Advocacy, Education, And Leadership Development, Susan R. Madsen Jun 2011

Empowering Women Across The Globe: Advocacy, Education, And Leadership Development, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

Empowering and developing women has become a popular topic of discussion in the literature and for all kinds of organizations (public, private, social sector) around the world. This includes dialogue concerning the inclusion of more women’s voices in local, regional, country, and worldwide roles and issues. Although progress has been made to have more women in leadership positions from the grassroots to CEO levels, the work has just begun. Developing more women of influence requires work in three areas: advocacy, education, and leadership development. The aim of this symposium is to share research findings and insights in these three areas …


Thinking About Leadership By Nanerl Keohane (Featured Publication & Author Interview), Susan R. Madsen Mar 2011

Thinking About Leadership By Nanerl Keohane (Featured Publication & Author Interview), Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

Our guest interviewer this month is Susan R. Madsen. Susan is an associate professor of management at Utah Valley University and an independent leadership and change consultant. She interviewed author Nannerl O. Keohane is the Laurance S. Rockefeller Distinguished Visiting Professor of Public Affairs and the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University and former president of Wellesley College and Duke University. She is the author of Higher Ground: Ethics and Leadership in the Modern University and Philosophy and the State in France: The Renaissance to the Enlightenment.


The Influence Of Background Characteristics On The Lifetime Development Of Leadership For Women: A Conceptual Model, Susan R. Madsen, Doug Gardner, Susan Thackeray Oct 2010

The Influence Of Background Characteristics On The Lifetime Development Of Leadership For Women: A Conceptual Model, Susan R. Madsen, Doug Gardner, Susan Thackeray

Susan R. Madsen

The purpose of this presentation is to offer a theoretical and conceptual model that provides educators and researchers a tool to explore the early experiences of women in developing leadership. This model considers the importance of background characteristics of students in developing more effective leadership programs and strategies for women.


Chinese Women Administrators In Higher Education: Developing Leadership Throughout Life, Susan R. Madsen Apr 2010

Chinese Women Administrators In Higher Education: Developing Leadership Throughout Life, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

The development of leadership has been a critical concern of many organizational leaders in various sectors (public, private, and social) across the globe. To better understand this complex phenomenon, researchers (e.g., Bass, 1990; Bennis, 1989) have been conducting leadership studies for decades in various disciplines (e.g., education, management, psychology). Yet, studies in these disciplines on developing women leaders are just emerging as an important focus of researchers and practitioners in many countries throughout the world. In many regions it has become evident that the process of developing women leaders is particularly multifaceted and challenging. There are numerous complexities inherent in …


The Experiences Of Arab Women Leaders In Learning To Lead, Susan R. Madsen Nov 2009

The Experiences Of Arab Women Leaders In Learning To Lead, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

To consider designing and developing leadership programs for women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is important to understand how current leaders have learned to lead throughout their lives. In-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with Arab women leaders (government and business) to investigate their lifetime experiences in developing leadership.


Innovative Reflection Tools For Developing Leadership For Transformation, Susan R. Madsen, Katherine A. Tunheim Nov 2009

Innovative Reflection Tools For Developing Leadership For Transformation, Susan R. Madsen, Katherine A. Tunheim

Susan R. Madsen

Since developing leadership is seeded in learning, there is a continuous effort to understand the most effective methods and techniques to assist individuals in becoming leaders. The purpose of this engaging workshop is to offer a variety of innovative tools that both academics and practitioners can use with adult learners in various settings to help them further develop leadership knowledge, competencies, and skills through enhanced reflection experiences. We cannot help create leaders who transform without helping them first be transformed by their own learning experiences. Learning that transforms individuals is learning that changes individuals. Since developing leadership is a transforming …


The First Steps Toward Developing Leadership Programs For Women In The United Arab Emirates: A Survey Study Exploring The Transformation Of Emirati College Students, Susan R. Madsen Aug 2009

The First Steps Toward Developing Leadership Programs For Women In The United Arab Emirates: A Survey Study Exploring The Transformation Of Emirati College Students, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

Developing effective leaders has become one of the most critical challenges for many organizations today, as strong, competent leadership often separates high-performing, successful organizations from less effective ones. In many countries research is being conducted to assist practitioners in designing successful leadership development programs for both men and women. However, in some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), these efforts are only in their infancy, and leadership development for women is a new concept. Needless to say, there is no evidence of existing research on the development of women leaders in that country, and only a few indications …


Using The Worldly Leadership Lens To Approach The Task Of Developing Women Leaders, Susan R. Madsen May 2009

Using The Worldly Leadership Lens To Approach The Task Of Developing Women Leaders, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

The rate at which globalization has occurred in all types of businesses and organizations has forced researchers and practitioners into considering new paradigms of leadership (Robinson & Harvey, 2008). In fact, Muczyk and Holt (2008) reported that 85% of Fortune 500 executives say that their firms do not currently have enough competent individuals to lead effectively in this kind of global environment. Most (e.g., Livers, 2007) agree that leading globally requires a fundamental shift in terms of thinking and behavior, but to date most researchers and practitioners are focusing their efforts on understanding and developing clearly defined skill set or …


Feminism, Globalism, And Leadership: How Women Make A "Worldly" World, Susan R. Madsen, Scott C. Hammond, Jory Jensen May 2009

Feminism, Globalism, And Leadership: How Women Make A "Worldly" World, Susan R. Madsen, Scott C. Hammond, Jory Jensen

Susan R. Madsen

The influx of women into leadership, management, and idea leader roles is clearly one of the significant aspects of globalization over the last 50 years. While women are still underrepresented in global business and politics, their influence on reconceptualizing leadership models is undeniable. While it would be difficult to precisely determine a “feminist” perspective on leadership, idea leaders such as Mary Parker Follett, Rosabeth Kanter and Margaret Wheatley have influenced the concept and practice of leadership beyond any gender construct. The unique themes within their work are present in the global dialogue that is reframing how everyone thinks of leadership. …


Preparing For Future Leadership Development Efforts In The United Arab Emirates: Studying The Transformational Learning Experiences Of Women Students In Abu Dhabi, Susan R. Madsen Feb 2009

Preparing For Future Leadership Development Efforts In The United Arab Emirates: Studying The Transformational Learning Experiences Of Women Students In Abu Dhabi, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

To consider designing future efforts toward developing leadership programs for women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is important to understand how these women learn most effectively. In-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with Emirati students at a women’s college in the UAE to investigate their learning backgrounds, perceptions, and transformational learning experiences while students. Additional interviews were conducted with faculty and staff to provide insights into many of the issues, challenges, and experiences the students discussed. Since developing leadership is a transforming process, transformational learning theory provided a valuable theoretical lens to guide this study. This paper presents findings …


Developing Leadership Throughout Life: The Experiences Of Emirati Women Leadership In The United Arab Emirates, Susan R. Madsen Feb 2009

Developing Leadership Throughout Life: The Experiences Of Emirati Women Leadership In The United Arab Emirates, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

Leadership development for women has recently emerged as an important focus of researchers and practitioners in many countries across the globe. Public, private, and social sector organizations in various settings are now acknowledging the importance of preparing both men and women for strong, competent leadership (Madsen, 2008). During the past decade this topic has also become an important area of research and practice within human resource development (HRD) arena in the U.S. and beyond (Ardichvili & Manderscheid, 2008). However in some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), research on and programs for developing women leaders are only in …


Leadership Development For Women: The Opportunities And Challenges Of Research And Practice In International Settings, Susan R. Madsen Aug 2008

Leadership Development For Women: The Opportunities And Challenges Of Research And Practice In International Settings, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

This caucus will provide Academy members a forum to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and issues related to the research and practice of leadership development for women in international settings. Clearly, the topic of developing leaders is of utmost importance in all settings (e.g., higher education, business, government, and nonprofit). Many strategic leaders and managers (men and women) are particularly concerned with developing women for leadership roles. Women are needed to move into positions of influence within these various settings throughout the world, and they must be prepared. There are many interesting and unique developmental issues and challenges in each country/region …


So You Want To Be A Leaders In Higher Education? Developing Leadership As Women (Professional Development Workshop), Susan R. Madsen Aug 2007

So You Want To Be A Leaders In Higher Education? Developing Leadership As Women (Professional Development Workshop), Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

This insightful and innovative PDW will 1) describe some of the results of a qualitative research study on the leadership development of ten women university presidents, and 2) provide participants with an opportunity to engage in self-analysis and personal reflection. "Leadership" will be broadly framed as leading from a formal position (e.g., president, VP, dean, associate dean, department chair, or committee chair) as well as influencing without an official title or formal authority; therefore, conference attendees interested in influencing change at any level in higher education would benefit.


Developing Leadership During Adolescence: The Experiences Of University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen Mar 2007

Developing Leadership During Adolescence: The Experiences Of University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

The adolescent years are an incredibly important developmental time for all individuals. It is a vital time for young women to develop confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills and competencies, discover strengths and weaknesses, and increase their understanding of self and environment. Since leadership is also a network of relationships , experience and opportunity in building healthy relationships with a host of different people and organizations is critical during these years. Adolescence is a dynamic time full of positive and negative experiences, challenges, and opportunities that all seem to impact people in some way for the rest of their lives …


Women University Presidents: Career Paths And Educational Backgrounds, Susan R. Madsen Jan 2007

Women University Presidents: Career Paths And Educational Backgrounds, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

The purpose of overall research study was to explore the “lived experiences” of women university presidents in developing (throughout their lives) the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies required for successful leadership in higher education. The objective of this particular paper is to report qualitative research results focused on the career paths and educational backgrounds of these women presidents.


Leadership Philosophies And Styles Of Women University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen Jan 2007

Leadership Philosophies And Styles Of Women University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

Although progress has been made, it remains clear that women are still underrepresented in administrative positions in all types of higher educational institutions throughout the world. While the issue is often now addressed in the literature, there are still few articles reporting research findings on the experiences and perceptions of university presidents, particularly women. Ten women university presidents were interviewed using the phenomenological research methodology. This paper reports the results of this research related to the presidents’ perceptions of their own leadership styles and philosophies.


Learning To Lead In Higher Education: Insights Into The Family Backgrounds Of Women University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen Jan 2007

Learning To Lead In Higher Education: Insights Into The Family Backgrounds Of Women University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of women university presidents related to becoming leaders or learning to lead. This manuscript highlights the research focused on the immediate family backgrounds and influences on these presidents. The research question was as follows: With regard to their family backgrounds and influences, what are the lived experiences of women university presidents related to developing into the leaders they have become today?


Learning To Lead: The College Experiences Of Women University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen Nov 2006

Learning To Lead: The College Experiences Of Women University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

Although developing leadership is an important topic in the higher education today, the percentage of women found in high leadership positions remains quite low. In fact, little has been published about how high-level women leaders actually developed. This workshop will present the results of two qualitative research studies exploring how 10 women university presidents and 10 women governors became effective leaders, with a particular focus on influential events, individuals, activities, and opportunities during their undergraduate and graduate educational experiences.


Developing Leadership: Exploring The Childhoods Of Women University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen Aug 2006

Developing Leadership: Exploring The Childhoods Of Women University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

Researchers argue that much of who we are is developed during childhood. Childhood relationships and developmental activities, opportunities, and experiences (including hardships) come together to create each human being. Yet, little exploratory research has been conducted regarding the childhood experiences, activities, personalities, and perceptions of successful leaders. In-depth, qualitative interviews with ten women university presidents were conducted to investigate perceptions and experiences related to the lifetime development of leadership skills, abilities, and competencies. The lived experiences of these women were investigated using the phenomenological research methodology so that “voices” could be heard and unique insights examined. This paper explores a …


Leadership In Higher Education: Do You Have The Interest, Skills, And Commitment? (Professional Development Workshop), Susan R. Madsen Aug 2006

Leadership In Higher Education: Do You Have The Interest, Skills, And Commitment? (Professional Development Workshop), Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

This insightful and innovative two-part workshop will 1) explore the current issues affecting leadership in higher education and 2) provide participants with an opportunity to engage in self-analysis and personal reflection. "Leadership" will be broadly framed as leading from a formal position (e.g., president, VP, dean, associate dean, department chair, or committee chair) as well as influencing without an official title or formal authority; therefore, all conference attendees interested in influencing change at any level in higher education would benefit. The first 50-minute workshop segment will begin with participants completing a short questionnaire about their perceptions of the most important …


Women University Presidents: Career Paths And Educational Backgrounds, Susan R. Madsen May 2006

Women University Presidents: Career Paths And Educational Backgrounds, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

The purpose of this paper is to report findings related to the lived experiences of women university presidents’ in developing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies required for successful leadership in higher education. More specifically, this report focuses on their educational backgrounds and career paths. Using qualitative in-depth interviews (phenomenological research methodology), ten women university presidents were interviewed for two to three hours each. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed, and theme generation techniques used. Although there were some similarities among the women in terms of educational backgrounds and employment positions, the data show that presidents can emerge from a …