Managing Challenges Women Face in Leadership Positions: Carl Rogers' Humanistic Approach

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine Carl Rogers' humanistic approach to supporting women in leadership positions to make a formed decision on how to manage the challenges they face. A qualitative approach was adopted for the study. The population of the study included fifteen (15) headmistresses and housemistresses in the Senior High Schools in the New Juaben Municipality in the Eastern Region. The purposive sampling technique was used to select schools, headmistresses and housemistresses in the schools. The schools selected were Oyoko Methodist Senior High School (OMESS), SDA Senior High School (SEDASS), Ghana Senior High School (GHANASS), Koforidua Technical Institute (KOTECH), Nana Kwaku Boateng Senior High School (OBOSS) and New Juaben Senior High School (NJUASCO). The main instruments used for data collection were a semi-structured interview guide and Reflective dialogue. Data was analysed through the use of the thematic approach. Within-case and across-case analytical technique was used to analyse the qualitative data. This was done through the identification of themes, categories and sub-categories the analytical tool for the qualitative data through interviews and reflective dialogue (RD). Themes that were extracted from the interview corresponding to Carl Rogers' humanistic person-centred) the approach were; inherent potentialities, support, motivation, power relation, INSET, cultural dimension, and guidance and counselling. The study revealed that women face challenges using inadequate school facilities they do their best possible to manage their challenges with the few facilities available, the introduction of Carl Rogers' intervention, and women became more aware of their potential in managing the challenges they face at work in their leadership positions. It is recommended that guidance programmes should be conducted often to inform both teachers and students about the potential of women. It has also emerged that women leaders do not know who they are and therefore they should undergo counselling in order to be self-actualised.