In this insightful project, the focus is on unraveling the experiences of women senior leaders in the Information Technology (IT) industry as they navigate the challenges of leading authentically within a predominantly male-dominated work environment. Recognizing the industry’s historical struggle to attract and retain women in leadership roles, the study delves into the nuanced landscape of gender biases that women encounter, particularly the pressures to conform to established norms for career advancement.
Employing a phenomenological methodology, the project explores how women articulate their current perceptions of leading with authenticity in the IT sector. Authenticity, defined as the experience of being true to oneself, entails a harmonious alignment between internal values and external behaviors. Grounded in the social constructivist theory of gender, the study analyzes women’s experiences concerning gender equality and individual authenticity in the workplace.