Women managers in higher education: experiences from the UK

In this paper, case studies of women undertaking middle management positions in two universities in the UK are presented and analysed, within the context of continuing under-representation of women managers and leaders in higher education. In-depth interviews were carried out with women heads, or former heads, of department, in order to obtain their perspectives on their day to day management experiences, longer term strategies and goals, relationships with colleagues and leadership styles. The women all perceived their greatest strength as people management and collegiality, and gender was embedded in their work in a complex way. Some comparison between women’s leadership experiences in the two universities is also drawn. Recommendations for universities to enhance the opportunities for, and status of, women managers and leaders are suggested in conclusion.