Theology of leadership : investigating religions’ impact on female executive advancement and pay

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Linda J. Brewer (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Moses Acquaah

Abstract: The underrepresentation of women in top leadership roles and the existence of the gender pay gap among top executives are well-documented phenomena. Many studies have delved into the dynamics of gender and leadership, investigating factors like discrimination, socialization, and family responsibilities that may contribute to this disparity. This study introduces a novel approach by examining the role of religion, particularly Christianity, as a potential influence on both the underrepresentation of women in top leadership and the gender pay gap among executives. This research juxtaposes the top management teams of religious and secular organizations to discern how religion impacts women’s career advancement. It employs a quantitatively dominate convergent mixed methods design to examine factors such as fundamentalism, denominational leadership, and religiosity. It finds fewer women within the top management teams of religious organizations. Moreover, organizations affiliated with denominations which are non-affirming of LGBTQ+ issues, Evangelical denominations, and members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities have fewer women in both the top management team and on the governing board. This research underscores the complex influence of religion on gender roles, demonstrating that the impact of religious beliefs on gender dynamics is multifaceted and varies significantly across different contexts.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2024
Keywords
Equality, Gender, Leadership, Pay gap, Religion
Subjects
Leadership in women
Leadership $x Religious aspects $x Christianity
Sex role $x Religious aspects $x Christianity

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