Women in Emergency Management: Models of Leadership and Tools for Change

Abstract

Women continue to be under-represented as leaders in emergency management, thus there is a need for more voices that can influence decision making and advocate for considerations that bolster communities to be more resilient. This thesis examines the leadership tools, styles, strategies, and skills used by women in the field of emergency management. There is limited research that draws parallels between leadership tools and how they have been successfully applied by female emergency managers. The qualitative interviews and survey conducted as part of this study provide evidence that fills a gap in this research. Nineteen women in executive leadership emergency management positions were interviewed, and a survey was completed by 36 rising female leaders. Findings show the career path and trajectory of established leaders, tools utilized by leaders, and recommendations for future leaders.