Exploring how women's family-work enrichment experiences contribute to organizational cultural and success in the workplace: An exploratory qualitative inquiry

The number of working women is increasing, and although they have been acknowledged to play a pivotal role in the nurturance of their families, their contribution to the workplace, in terms of leadership style and to organizational success has been little recognized (Caprino, 2013). The purpose of this exploratory qualitative inquiry research study was to explore how women's family-work enrichment (FWE) experiences may contribute to effective organizational cultures, especially organizations in the 21st century. The research question asked, "How do women's FWE experiences develop their capacities as leaders and contribute to organizational culture and success in the workplace?" The study utilized an exploratory qualitative inquiry design, which allowed 20 married working mothers, who were employed by a very large Midwestern church, the opportunity to speak about their unique FWE contributions during a phone interview. The results from the study indicated that women demonstrate many leadership qualities congruent with transformational leadership that help to make organizations successful. They possess unique characteristics that allow them to lead, teach, coach, support, nurture, and help others to be the best they can be, whether on the job or at home. With the current competitive work environment in the 21st century, women's leadership and contributions are greatly needed because they help motivate and cultivate others, creating an effective workplace culture in which people feel they and their work are valued.