LEADERSHIP COMPETENCES AND UPWARD MOBILITY OF WOMEN TEACHERS IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Abstract

The aim of this research is to identify the relationship between leadership competencies and upward mobility of Macedonian female lecturers in leadership positions in higher education institutions in North Macedonia. For this research study, leadership competencies are defined as (a) emotional intelligence, (b) self-efficacy, (c) knowledge, and (d) coaching. Regarding women in leadership, research argues that competent women are denied leadership positions compared to competent men due to the misalignment of women and the leadership position in the social construct. It was stated that descriptive stereotypes of women are cooperative, caring, and relationship-oriented, but they should not be tough or aggressive. Someone has to imagine and design these products and services, manufacture them, market them, and ultimately sell them. A company can achieve a comparative advantage if it sets up effective management systems that will enable it to recruit and retain quality employees. Without well-chosen employees, people with the right skills, education, enthusiasm, and drive for progress, productivity, and profitability would suffer. It was stated that women leaders are hindered by gender stereotypes. In other words, men are more likely to be leaders than women as a result of cultural constructs. Some authors stated that women are less effective in holding leadership positions than men. It was also discussed that a leader should be tough and competitive. Thus, it was concluded that descriptive stereotypes and prescriptive stereotypes of women are not compatible with the leadership role. The quantitative method is appropriate for this research study to collect data to test hypotheses. Due to the lack of relevant literature and lack of understanding regarding the upward mobility of Macedonian women lecturers, the intention behind this research is to investigate the influence of the independent variables (leadership competencies, emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, knowledge and training) on the dependent variable (upward mobility of Macedonian women lecturers to leadership positions). If leadership competencies affect the professional advancement of Macedonian women lecturers, an increasing number of Macedonian women lecturers will be moved to leadership positions. The most significant reason for this study is that this doctoral dissertation is the only one on the relationship between leadership competencies and upward mobility of leadership positions of Macedonian women lecturers. The research can be extended to other fields, not only in the field of education. The research also helps Macedonian women to prepare themselves with leadership competencies that are needed to be promoted to leadership levels.