| This study was conducted to examine the leadership styles during the early years in the presidency of 6 selected African American female presidents at 4-year comprehensive colleges and universities. How presidents in academia take on their roles, identify and assume their responsibilities, and address effectively the difficulties they face and the mistakes they make is not well understood.; The purposive sample comprised 3 novice and 3 experienced presidents from public and private, historically Black and traditionally White universities with either bachelor's or master's Carnegie classifications. The Bolman and Deal four cognitive leadership frames—structural, human resource, political, and symbolic—provided the theoretical framework for this study. Qualitative data through semi structured interviews and quantitative data through the Bolman and Deal Leadership Orientations Questionnaire (Self ) were collected and analyzed.; A leadership definition derived from the consensus provided by each president emerged. “Good leadership” is a process that involves all of the stakeholders of the institution working collaboratively toward a common, mutually beneficial goal. Good leadership focuses more on teamwork and less on power and authority, and requires keen interpersonal skills and a respect for the expertise of others. Moreover, good leadership requires careful planning and action that blends the transactional and transformational leadership theories. The results showed paired and multi-frame leadership orientations to all four of the cognitive frames, revealing that the presidents in this sample led in a participatory, team-oriented, communicative, flexible yet decisive, imaginative, and analytical manner toward a shared vision for the university. Although specific circumstances required their immediate attention upon assuming the role of president, this sample did not limit their actions to those related to a single cognitive frame, thus indicating that other university situations were not completely ignored. The findings can be used by decision-makers in academic organizations as well as by women aspiring to senior positions to help define and develop effective presidential leadership. |
