African American Women's Career Development: The Role of Self-efficacy as a Mediator of Leadership Aspirations
Open Access
Author:
Harvey, Tristana Renee
Graduate Program:
Counselor Education
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
March 20, 2007
Committee Members:
Spencer G Niles, Committee Chair/Co-Chair Edgar I Farmer Sr., Committee Member Jolynn Carney, Committee Member Jerry G Trusty, Committee Member
Keywords:
African American women career development self-efficacy leadership
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to identify the role of self-efficacy as a mediator of African American women’s leadership aspirations. Correlation and hierarchical regression analysis of the data were completed based upon participant’s age, participant’s education level, mother’s education level, presence of a mentor, connectedness needs, socially desirable responding, and general self-efficacy level to African American women’s leadership aspirations. Similarity in race and gender between the mentor and the protégé to leadership aspirations was not statistically significant. Participant’s education level, presence of a mentor, and connectedness needs were positively and significantly related to African American women’s leadership aspirations. Presence of a mentor did not remain a significant predictor of their leadership aspirations. More importantly, general self-efficacy level was identified as a mediator of African American women’s leadership aspirations above all other variables. Implications for counseling and leadership development are offered. Limitations of the study are also discussed.
