FRESHMAN VERSUS SENIOR WOMENS' VARYING PERCEPTIONS OF WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP

Abstract

This research study aims to explore potential differences in the perception of leadership and leadership opportunities between first-year and final-year female undergraduate business students at the University of Arizona. The study seeks to understand how these differences, should any be discovered, could inform support mechanisms for future female leaders in the business world during their undergraduate years. To conduct this research, the research team successfully recruited 10 participants. There were 5 participants in each sample group. After interviewing all participants, responses were transcribed to enable the analysis of data. Upon reviewing the data, it was discovered that there are differences in the ways that female undergraduate students view and define leadership. These differences do correspond to respective years in college. Senior students are more cynical and pessimistic about gender equality in the business world workforce, whereas first year students showed more optimism. Additionally, there are significant differences in the themes of leadership definitions and traits between sample groups. These differences can be beneficial to the further support systems that are implemented to help future female leaders in the workforce for years to come.