What About Women coaches? An Examination of Barriers and Facilitators that Affect Progression in Leadership Roles
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Authors
Tse, Tiffany
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
women coaches , leadership , personal assets framework , timeline interview
Alternative Title
Abstract
Although we are aware of the underrepresentation of women coaches, the problem persists in both the literature and within the field (Norman et al., 2018). The underrepresentation of women coaches across sport suggests that sport structures and organizations privilege men and perpetuates a highly gendered system (Reade et al., 2009). Underrepresentation of women in coaching can often be attributed to external, social, and structural barriers, such as unequal assumptions of competence, hiring from principle similarity, homophobia, microaggressions, and a lack of role models (LaVoi et al., 2019; Norman & Simpson, 2022). With this in mind, the purpose of the present study was to highlight the experiences of women coaches who have sustained a career in coaching by exploring the facilitators and barriers that affected their progression toward important leadership roles within the sport system.
Participants consisted of 13 engaged, four partially engaged, and three disengaged model women coaches who were asked to reflect upon their unique leadership journeys. The participants were recognized by sport governing bodies as “model” because of the positive impact they had on their athletes for a sustained period. Data was collected following a two-phased interview approach. In phase one, the coaches were asked to create a career timeline by reflecting on their coaching roles and positions that were then separated into early and late stages. In phase two, open-ended questions focused on coaches’ career facilitators and barriers in the coaches’ early and late stages. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The results indicate that career progressions were facilitated by intrinsic motivations of growth, supportive mentors, and a passion for sport. The coaches also discussed many barriers including having to ask for respect, unrealistic expectations, and balancing work and life.
Herein, we summarize the relevant literature about women coaches, describe the methodological processes adopted for this study, present the results, discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings, and conclude by highlighting the study's strengths, limitations, and possible future directions.
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ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.