A Qualitative Case Study Within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education: Exploring Working Mother Professors’ Challenges, Coping Strategies, and Support
Open Access
- Author:
- Troiani, Krista
- Graduate Program:
- Workforce Education and Development (PHD)
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- September 08, 2022
- Committee Members:
- Wesley Donahue, Major Field Member
William Rothwell, Chair & Dissertation Advisor
Mark Threeton, Major Field Member
Rama Radhakrishna, Outside Unit & Field Member
Heather Toomey Zimmerman, Professor in Charge/Director of Graduate Studies - Keywords:
- employment
equality
women
career
working mothers
flexible work
work life balance - Abstract:
- The purpose of this research is to explore the challenges that women face in attempting to hold both a professional and maternal role, their coping strategies, and the support that is needed for them to overcome these obstacles and promote personal well-being and organizational effectiveness. In-depth qualitative research was conducted through a case study exploring job satisfaction when a working mother is offered appropriate accommodations to support unmet needs. The general analytical approach was deductive using thematic analysis, identifying themes within the data set through conducting the research with an applied focus on Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory (1959). This paper is a research-based approach on organizational accommodations, coping strategies, support mechanisms, and challenges in relation to a working mother. The study was guided by four research questions: (1) What is the perception of benefits through accommodations in enhancing organizational efficiency within an area of employment? (2) What coping strategies benefit working mothers? (3) What support mechanisms are available to working mothers? (4) What are the challenges working mothers face? The data was collected through interviews, observations, and a focus group. If a working mother is effectively managed by having appropriate hygiene factors in place with the right motivational tools, it can lead to higher performance and development in the future. In gaining awareness around equality and adaption to the cultural, political, and organizational platforms of women within our economy, practices can be implemented to achieve a healthy work-life balance and increase organizational efficiency through flexibility, accommodations, and a healthy work environment. Keywords: employment, equality, women, career, working mothers, flexible work