Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to collectively examine and analyze the qualitative data from studies that investigated the factors that promoted the success of women educational executives in the positions of principals, superintendents, and higher education presidents. Methodology. Qualitative meta-analysis was the methodology used in this study. In this methodology, the researcher compared the findings from multiple qualitative studies on women educators in CEO positions. An extensive search, based on the criteria developed for this study, netted a sample of thirty-one qualitative studies. Findings. Findings from this study revealed various factors that contributed to women's advancement to CEO positions in education and factors that assisted women in maintaining their executive positions. The combination of these advancement and maintenance factors represent women's success as CEOs. The prevailing factors include the following: certain qualities and leadership styles, specific career paths, dealing with gender dynamics, support systems, advanced academic degrees, balance, satisfaction, fulfillment, rewards, encouragement or recruitment, mentors, relationships, the right fit, having a clearly defined vision and goals, and effective communication. Conclusions. The researcher concluded that for women to be successful in CEO positions, the following major contributing factors must be present: (1) the qualities of honesty, caring, empathy, self-confidence, passion, intuition, and collaborative, collegial, and participative leadership styles; (2) specific career paths; (3) balance between work and home; (4) satisfaction, fulfillment, and rewards from the work they do; (5) the skill of avoiding the volleys in gender dynamics; (6) encouragement or recruitment; (7) mentors; and (8) the ability to build and maintain relationships. Recommendations. It is recommended that the following studies be conducted: (1) a replication of this study that compares the prevailing success factors for males in educational CEO positions, (2) a study that describes the barriers perceived by women in obtaining and retaining a CEO position, and (3) a study that identifies the problems leading to the demotion or resignation of women in CEO positions.