The invisible purple sheep : a multiple case study exploring the invisibility of Black women leaders in research administration in higher education.
| dc.contributor.advisor | Shelton, Ryann N. | |
| dc.creator | Harris, Rashonda D., 1978- | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-07-30T12:45:52Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-07-30T12:45:52Z | |
| dc.date.created | 2023-12 | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023-12 | |
| dc.date.submitted | December 2023 | |
| dc.date.updated | 2024-07-30T12:45:52Z | |
| dc.description.abstract | The invisibility of Black women in higher education leadership and research administration is a critical issue, leading many to consider leaving the field. In academia, Black women are underrepresented, especially in leadership roles. This problem has roots in feminist writings, with authors like hooks, Davis, King, and Bell contributing to the discourse on Black women’s invisibility. Research by Sesko and Biernat underscores that Black women’s experiences of invisibility are unique. McKinsey & Company’s reports on women in the workplace also highlight the challenges women face. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore how Black women in research administration leadership describe their experiences with invisibility in the workspace and how they disrupt invisibility in the workspace. The data sources for this study included a questionnaire and two one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. The data analysis followed a systematic five-step process, including managing and organizing data, coding using open coding, generating descriptions and themes, and ensuring participant voices were retained. I uncovered five findings. First, Black women in research administration described their experiences with invisibility as having an unrecognized and undervalued voice, which negatively impacted their sense of belonging. Second, Black women in research administration leadership revealed that workplace invisibility negatively impacted their sense of self, particularly related to their intersectionality. Third, Black women in research administration leadership strategically combated invisibility through active ally advocacy and affinity group participation, addressing structural and interpersonal domains. Fourth, Black women in research administration leadership shared the pivotal role of support systems and networks in navigating the challenges of workspace invisibility. Finally, Black women in research administration leadership shared their strategies for emotional self-regulation while grappling with workplace invisibility, including techniques like controlled breathing, temporary disengagement, pausing discussions, and recognizing the need for emotional breaks. This study has implications for Black women in research administration and higher education leaders and colleagues. By amplifying the voices and experiences of Black women leaders, this study contributes to the ongoing conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion within academia. | |
| dc.format.mimetype | application/pdf | |
| dc.identifier.uri | ||
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/2104/12914 | |
| dc.language.iso | English | |
| dc.rights.accessrights | No access – contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu | |
| dc.title | The invisible purple sheep : a multiple case study exploring the invisibility of Black women leaders in research administration in higher education. | |
| dc.type | Thesis | |
| dc.type.material | text | |
| local.embargo.lift | 2025-12-01 | |
| local.embargo.terms | 2025-12-01 | |
| thesis.degree.department | Baylor University. Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction. | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | Baylor University | |
| thesis.degree.name | Ed.D. | |
| thesis.degree.program | Learning & Organizational Change | |
| thesis.degree.school | Baylor University |
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