A Quantitative Study on the Effectiveness of a Women's Leadership Initiative at a Corporate For-Profit Higher Education Institution

For centuries, women have faced significant challenges in advancing to leadership positions in higher education and the corporate world. They have suffered from gender inequality, resulting in limited opportunities, unequal pay, and unequal status. Consequently, many organizations are taking active steps to encourage the development of female leaders. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a women's leadership initiative (WLI) at a corporate for-profit higher education institution using Kirkpatrick's learning evaluation model. Surveyed participants included WLI alums, women currently enrolled in the training, and women who had never enrolled. Results were compared to determine if there was a significant difference in the reported perception of their reaction to the training, discernable learning, changes in behavior, and business results. The data collected in this study overwhelmingly support the positive impact of women's leadership development programs when compared to on-the-job training alone. On all four levels of Kirkpatrick's model, WLI alums reported a positive reaction to the training, including higher workplace satisfaction, a more comprehensive professional network, improved leadership skills, more leadership opportunities, and promotions to higher level positions within the university. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]