University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Division
Examining the Leadership Styles of Women Recreation and Park Managers
Presenter Hometown
Florence
Major
Recreation and Park Administration
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Jon McChesney
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Addington, Alexis; Monroe, Ariell; Moore, Jessica; Barnett, Autumn; and McChesney, Jon, "Examining the Leadership Styles of Women Recreation and Park Managers" (2021). University Presentation Showcase Event. 3.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2021/graduate/3
Abstract
An increasing number of women are becoming managers. Examining the leadership styles of men and women has garnered considerable research investigation, with the Theory of Transformational Leadership indicating that women tend to lead more effectively than men. Transformational leaders are inspirational, positive role models, caring, empowering, and push followers to be creative and take chances (Riggio, 2009; White, 2018). The goal of this study was to investigate leadership styles and the impact of gender in management roles in parks and recreation. Methodology included a literature investigation as well as a qualitative component including interviews with four female recreation directors in Kentucky to gain insight on their leadership style. Each director answered a series of questions that helped determine their leadership style, problems and challenges encountered, and how they handle these issues. One of the recreation directors said, “I let my workers come up with the idea, be independent and we talk about items before a decision is made. Ultimately l like to let my employees take ownership of their programs,” which is consistent with transformational leadership.
Presentation format
Poster
Examining the Leadership Styles of Women Recreation and Park Managers
An increasing number of women are becoming managers. Examining the leadership styles of men and women has garnered considerable research investigation, with the Theory of Transformational Leadership indicating that women tend to lead more effectively than men. Transformational leaders are inspirational, positive role models, caring, empowering, and push followers to be creative and take chances (Riggio, 2009; White, 2018). The goal of this study was to investigate leadership styles and the impact of gender in management roles in parks and recreation. Methodology included a literature investigation as well as a qualitative component including interviews with four female recreation directors in Kentucky to gain insight on their leadership style. Each director answered a series of questions that helped determine their leadership style, problems and challenges encountered, and how they handle these issues. One of the recreation directors said, “I let my workers come up with the idea, be independent and we talk about items before a decision is made. Ultimately l like to let my employees take ownership of their programs,” which is consistent with transformational leadership.
