This study examined the leadership practices of Cuban women managers in Cuba and in the US, and whether preference for these practices by country of residence moderated career success or career entrenchment. The participants consisted of 348 managers across a variety of careers and professions who completed a 33 item survey. Demographic data was also gathered. While the study was quantitative, interaction with the Cuban respondents allowed the researcher to apply certain qualitative axiological assumptions. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were computed to analyze the data. The findings from the study indicated several associations between leadership practices and country of residence. Overall, the data suggests a positive relation between country of residence and enabling others to act and career success, and a negative relation between any of the practices and career entrenchment. In general, the results support the argument that managers (leaders) should give high priority to the construct of developing, inspiring and enabling subordinates and upholding a leadership development framework and aligning their followers to that framework. The data also revealed that leadership practices in and out of Cuba can be similar, even though there is a marked difference in political ideology. These findings provide insight for those interested in the debate on whether women managers actually existed in Cuba and their leadership practices. Although there is now evidence that Cuban women managers are extant, there is a lack of substantive research into the examination within the field of leadership for this group. This study represents an important contribution to the existing literature regarding Cuban women, as it provides a framework for future stakeholders in Cuba to use in leadership development design. The themes can also be utilized to create professional development opportunities for business leaders, which can support initiating, implementing, and sustaining outstanding organizations in Cuba. Future studies of Cuban women managers that extend the understanding of the interrelationships between leadership practices and career success, career entrenchment and the role of country of residence would be valuable.
| Date of Award | Mar 2 2012 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Randi L Sims (Supervisor), Maggie Dunn (Advisor) & Belay Seyoum (Advisor) |
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