Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Department
School of Business
First Advisor
Paul Shelton
Second Advisor
Dirk Barram
Third Advisor
Brad Jensen
Abstract
The persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership positions remains a significant global concern, stemming from systemic barriers and lower self-efficacy reported by women in leadership contexts. Current trends suggest it could take another 50 years to achieve gender parity in leadership roles. This disparity highlights a need for effective early interventions to nurture leadership skills and confidence in young women. This study examined the relationship between self-efficacy (SE), emotional intelligence (EI), and leadership aspirations among young women participating in the Courageous Girls program, relying on maternal proxy reports using General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS-10). Analysis of 104 mother-daughter pairs revealed no statistically significant correlation between the duration of program participation and measured levels of SE (p=.089) or EI (p=.881), findings potentially limited by the cross-sectional design or high pre-existing baseline scores due to self- selection bias. While a direct link between measured SE and EI scores and a binary desire to lead was not supported, the study did establish a strong coherence within the mother- daughter dyad, revealing a statistically significant positive correlation between mothers’ self-reported SE (r=.578, p< .001) and their daughter’s SE, and a significant positive correlation for EI (r=.352, p< .001) between mother and daughters. Furthermore, the study established a strong positive correlation between the mother’s employment status (working outside the home) and the daughter’s desire to lead (p=.309, p=.002). These results emphasize that vicarious learning through visible role models may be a more immediate determinant of early leadership aspirations than general psychological competency measures, suggesting that future interventions should prioritize intentional exposure to diverse female role models and employ longitudinal research designs to capture true developmental impact.
Recommended Citation
Vargason, Annette Cherie, "Self-Effficacy and Emotional Intelligence in Young Females; Filling the Leadership Pipeline Through Youth Development Programs" (2025). Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). 78.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dbadmin/78