A Mixed Research on Barriers and Facilitators to Women's Representation in Academic Leadership in Türkiye

OpenAlex · Türkçe

This study aims to describe the profile of academic women manager leaders in Türkiye in comparison to the global dimension and to reveal the obstacles that cause female academics to be underrepresented in all academic leadership positions. It also aims to identify the observations and experiences of women academics on how these obstacles can be overcome and to get their views on what changes can be made to ensure adequate representation. In this mixed-method study, the status of women academic manager leaders in Türkiye was initially examined using a descriptive statistical technique based on quantitative data and a census designed to provide a snapshot of the career profile over time. Subsequently, qualitative research was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological design. The objective was to gather as much information as possible by asking open-ended questions and to allow the participants to share their experiences in depth. In this context, 26 academic women manager leaders working in different universities who have experienced or are experiencing academic leadership were reached. The common meaning of their experiences and observations was then sought to be revealed. Quantitative findings show that the proportion of academic women manager leaders is lower than the proportion of male leaders at different leadership levels. This proportion decreases as the leadership level increases. The results of the qualitative research, which analyzed the descriptive statements of the participants, indicate that women academic manager leaders in different positions and titles in Türkiye encounter obstacles, including internal competition, unequal gender roles, a patriarchal structure, implicit gender discrimination, and the necessity of exerting greater effort to attain leadership positions due to their gender. This has a negative impact on their general health, psychology, and time management. Nevertheless, it is recognized that the participants anticipate that the male-dominated academic leadership structure in Türkiye will be dismantled through a combination of individual, institutional, and social strategies. These include time management techniques, elected positions, and women’s solidarity.