Becoming a Women Leader: A Qualitative Study in the Information Technology Sector

Based on social cognitive career theory (SCCT), our aim in this qualitative paper is to examine the factors that contribute to the success of women obtaining and maintaining positions in upper management in the IT field in the United States. To better understand their career development, we conducted interviews with 20 women aged 40 years or more in top-level, IT-industry management positions in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The information collected were analysed using thematic analysis. The results reveal interesting points related to the personal and contextual variables that help participants develop their careers. In addition, the study identifies the leadership styles that the participants adopted, and the challenges they faced as they worked to achieve their goals. Hence, this study shows that women can evolve in a male-dominated environment and succeed, thus contributing to career development theory.