Leadership and organizational culture influence on African American women in law enforcement

This qualitative phenomenological study explored and described the perceptions and lived experiences of African American women police officers in leadership positions working in the state of Maryland. The purpose of this research was to explore the phenomena of leadership and organizational culture that African American women police officers view as influencing their ability to attain and retain leadership positions within law enforcement organizations. The study included interviewing 10 African American women police officers who have held sworn leadership positions the rank of sergeant and above for at least 3 years in a police department in the state of Maryland. A hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was used to explore the lived experiences of these women. The literature included topics about inequality, diversity, leadership journeys, leadership practices, and racial perceptions. Four themes were identified through analyzing the data: (a) internal and self-imposed limitations to leadership, (b) improving organizational culture and relationships, (c) mentoring and networking relationships, and (d) self-management and regulation strategies. The theoretical and leadership implications, limitations, and recommendations were also discussed.