The Influence of Code-Switching on Black Women Leaders: A Phenomenological Study

A person altering their language, appearance, and mannerisms may suppress their culture and personality. These alterations, known as code-switching, may affect how these leaders are perceived by others and their influence on others. When Black women cannot be authentic, it may affect how they lead and are perceived by others in the workplace. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological Dissertation in Practice is to explore how code-switching may influence the effective rise to leadership roles of Black women. This qualitative study used a phenomenological design, specifically using interviews with Black women leaders to understand their code-switching practices as professionals and how those practices may affect their leadership and efficacy. Four major themes emerged from the semi-structured interviews. Those themes are Code-Switching, Leading as a Black Woman, Discrimination in the Workplace, and Coping Mechanisms. Codeswitching is used by Black women to better integrate themselves into the dominant culture for the purposes of advancement, relating better to the dominant culture, and shielding themselves from discrimination. Five solutions were recommended to be implemented within the Department of Transportation. These solutions are: the creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council; DEIA Onboard Training; new curriculum of courses; DEIA integrated into the management interview process; and Informal, unpaid affinity groups. Keywords: Code-switch, Authenticity, Black women leaders, discrimination, coping mechanism, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility (DEIA)

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Macklin, Kristi Ashley

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Caruso-Woolard, Cassandra

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/134677

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/134677