School of Sociology, Social Policy & Social Work

Dr Sally Shortall
Dr Ruth McAreavey

The Development and Acquisition of Leadership Skills Among Rural Women in Northern Ireland

My research is aimed at ascertaining what factors influenced the acquisition and development of leadership skills among current women leaders from rural areas of Northern Ireland. This study seeks to identify, using qualitative methods, commonalities among women who are currently serving in elected or appointed positions of leadership. Areas of inquiry include: personal and community identities, family and community relationships, role models and mentors, and formative interactions experienced outside the participant’s immediate community. The purpose of the study is to contribute to scholarly debates on leadership through identifying positive factors of structure and agency that facilitate women’s entry into leadership positions, and to discover practically applicable ways of fostering leadership development among young women from rural areas.