| This qualitative research study (Merriam & Tisdell, 2016) informed by an a priori theoretical framework gathered perspectives of female law enforcement leaders on their experiences leading in hegemonic masculine police cultures (Archbold & Schulz, 2012; Morash & Haarr, 2012; Rabe-Hemp, 2009) to better understand how female law enforcement leaders described the construction of their social identities (Morash & Haarr, 2012; Rabe-Hemp, 2009; Tajfel & Turner, 1979) and the influences on their self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977, 1986, 1997). The two areas of focus for the study within the law enforcement leaders' experiences included understanding how the women thought of themselves and others as a group and what experiences influenced their confidence to lead. The study was guided by two research questions: How do female law enforcement leaders describe their social identities? and What experiences shape the formation and evolution of self-efficacy of female law enforcement leaders? There were two subquestions: How, if at all, is gender a factor in the female law enforcement leaders' social identity constructions? and How do the reported experiences described by the female law enforcement leaders inform the four information sources for self-efficacy theorized by Bandura (1977)?;This study provided in-depth descriptive data about the social identity constructions and self-efficacy evolution of 16 female law enforcement leaders. General findings from the study indicated women's social identities (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) are constructed within and outside of the law enforcement community with a strong identification with groups outside of law enforcement and influenced by gender. Further findings from the study indicated that a myriad of experiences and interactions influence leader self-efficacy (Archbold & Schulz, 2012; Bandura, 1977, 1986, 1997; Rabe-Hemp, 2009; West & Zimmerman, 1987) that are generally aligned with Bandura's (1977, 1986, 1997) self-efficacy theory, with one noteworthy exception and one emergent influence. |
