KUKU

KU ScholarWorks

  • myKU
  • Email
  • Enroll & Pay
  • KU Directory
    • Login
    View Item 
    •   KU ScholarWorks
    • Dissertations and Theses
    • Theses
    • View Item
    •   KU ScholarWorks
    • Dissertations and Theses
    • Theses
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    “Like a rush of adrenaline that you get from going somewhere special.” A case study analysis of professional development and gendered experiences in the technology industry

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    Cullen_ku_0099M_16041_DATA_1.pdf (545.0Kb)
    Issue Date
    2018-08-31
    Author
    Cullen, Chelsea
    Publisher
    University of Kansas
    Format
    116 pages
    Type
    Thesis
    Degree Level
    M.A.
    Discipline
    Communication Studies
    Rights
    Copyright held by the author.
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    Gender inequity perpetually exists in U.S. workplaces. While these issues have manifested in a variety of ways (e.g., pay gap, sex segregation, glass ceiling, leave policies, language, etc.), the dominant discourses that have created and maintained gendered workplace inequities must be continually critiqued. This study approached workplace gender inequity through the theoretical framework of organizational assimilation. Qualitative case study data about women’s workplace and professional development experiences was analyzed, and the study posited an argument for professional development to be used as a tangible tool in addressing workplace inequities. Results indicated that professional development, external to an individual’s workplace, became a powerful and organized setting for gender inequity issues to be analyzed. Within the male-dominated technology industry, this study’s participants were able to better understand and prepare for these situations as they moved back into the workplace. The findings revealed three significant themes: (1) identifying, resisting, and denying sexism; (2) underestimation and overcompensation; (3) TechWomen’s Community and Purpose. This study concludes by discussing theoretical and practical implications for communication, organizations, and gender in the workplace moving forward.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/27474
    Collections
    • Communication Studies Dissertations and Theses [277]
    • Theses [3797]

    Items in KU ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.


    We want to hear from you! Please share your stories about how Open Access to this item benefits YOU.


    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

    Browse

    All of KU ScholarWorksCommunities & CollectionsThis Collection

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics

    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

    The University of Kansas
      Contact KU ScholarWorks
    Lawrence, KS | Maps
     
    • Academics
    • Admission
    • Alumni
    • Athletics
    • Campuses
    • Giving
    • Jobs

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

     Contact KU
    Lawrence, KS | Maps