Moral emotions and identity construction: women's experiences in higher education leadership

Purpose This research aims to analyze the moral emotions that have influenced the identity construction processes of women in senior management roles within higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was employed, based on an interpretative phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 women holding leadership positions, such as rectors and campus directors, with a minimum of two years of experience in Brazilian federal universities and institutes. Findings The findings indicate that moral emotions such as indignation, empathy, gratitude and pride are not merely responses to organizational experiences but also play a central role in shaping the identity construction processes of women in senior management, motivating them to pursue and maintain leadership positions. Research limitations/implications Theoretically, this research demonstrates how moral emotions, particularly indignation, empathy, gratitude and pride, emerge from the lived experiences of women in senior management as key components of identity construction. Practical implications From a practical perspective, the study underscores the fact that the experience of being a woman in a senior leadership role, such as a rector or director, is strongly associated with a sense of social and symbolic responsibility. The recognition of female leadership as a representative milestone reinforces the importance of institutional policies that promote the presence of women in decision-making spaces. Social implications These findings indicate that promoting gender equity in leadership roles not only responds to contemporary ethical demands but also strengthens more sustainable and socially responsible governance practices, with positive impacts in environmental, social, cultural and economic domains. Originality/value This research shows that moral emotions, such as indignation, empathy, gratitude and pride, are not only responses to organizational experiences but also shape the identity construction processes of women in senior management positions in HEIs, motivating them to pursue and achieve leadership roles.