Micro-Level Factors that Affect Females’ Decisions Towards Leadership in Higher Education: a Literature Review

Abstract

This paper is based on an ongoing PhD research named “Understanding the Lack of Female Leadership in Higher Education of Kazakhstan”. The aim of this study is to identify empirical studies that explored micro-level factors affecting female leadership in higher education. Thus, a systematic literature review technique was used to synthesise research from a gender perspective of leadership in higher education. An initial screening process resulted in a final sample of 37 appropriate studies. The synthesis of these empirical studies revealed that there are different leadership domains in higher education: academic and professional. Therefore, the micro-level factors that affect these domains include the purpose of doctoral studies, the change of interests, identity and gender, self-awareness, self-management, self esteem, self efficacy and work-life balance. This study contributes to the development of female leadership in higher education.