Women CIOs in higher education pursuing work-life balance/integration, self-care, and the influence of COVID-19

ABSTRACT

There is a gender gap within higher education (HE) administration, and specifically the Chief Information Officer (CIO) position. This is a problem because men and women administrators provide diverse perceptions and advantages to HE institutions. The CIO perspective is important because they perform a critical role in the IT management and organization of HE institutions. Additionally, women in leadership positions often face additional pressures and barriers as compared to their men counterparts when seeking to integrate their work, family, and personal self-care. Thus, to further understand and take action to improve representation of women HE CIOs, the purpose of this study was to examine the experiences and perspectives of women HE CIOs and their ability to find and maintain work-life balance/integration with their roles as a worker, family member, and self-care and the significant impact of the novel COVID-19 pandemic in the pursuit of this goal. In this study, I used qualitative case study methodology and liberal feminist lens to explore the work-life balance/integration journeys, views, and practices of three women working as CIOs in HE institutions. The work-life journeys these women CIOs experienced were complex and inspiring. They hold the demanding and intricate responsibilities of the technology management and development within their respective institutions. They work long hours, endure the stress and pressure associated with this position, and adjust to enormous strain when necessary, such as momentous impact of COVID-19. They spend much of their energy toward the obligations and enrichment of their careers and their passion for this work is evident. They also acknowledge the impact work has on their home and personal lives. They organize their roles and responsibilities according to priority and recognize the importance of their own wellbeing and practices of self-care as major factors in the success of their other roles. Ultimately, the pursuit and maintenance of work-life balance is an ever-evolving yet crucial aspect of these women HE CIOs lives. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)