Intersectional perspectives of black women on boards: the illusion of inclusion

The chronic underrepresentation of Black women in senior leadership roles within United Kingdom organisations demonstrates long-standing systemic injustice and necessitates immediate scholarly attention. Despite the increased emphasis on diversity and inclusion, existing research has not adequately investigated the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black women leaders, particularly in the United Kingdom. This phenomenological study sought to close this gap by focusing on the lived experiences of Black women in high-level leadership positions and investigating the complex interplay of factors that influence their career journeys. Using intersectionality theory and Black feminist philosophy, this study explores the barriers these women face and the techniques they use to negotiate and dismantle these barriers. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15 Black women executives from various sectors, this study investigated three primary research questions: (1). What factors determine the salience of specific identities in leadership contexts? (2). What obstacles arise at the intersection of Black women 's multiple identities in their quest for leadership? (3). How do sociocultural circumstances and power structures shape the leadership experiences of Black women? Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)., this study identified six key themes: navigating the intersectional labyrinth, confronting structural barriers, cultivating resilience and authenticity, leveraging mentorship and sponsorship, driving systemic change, and redefining leadership paradigms. The findings starkly demonstrate the pervasiveness of the "concrete ceiling," the combined effects of racism and sexism that create strong barriers to progression. They also emphasised the significant emotional labour and psychological toll of negotiating these obstacles while attempting to lead authentically. Importantly, this study highlights the transformative power of Black women 's leadership, demonstrating how participants use their distinct perspectives to question inequitable norms, create inclusiveness, and drive innovation. The stories told by these extraordinary women are a powerful testament to their perseverance, strategic abilities, and steadfast dedication to creating positive change. Their stories serve as a wake-up call for organisations to address the deeply entrenched injustices that continue to impede the growth of Black women leaders. The findings of this study add to the growing body of intersectional leadership research and provide practical insights for creating more inclusive and equitable leadership landscapes in UK organisations and other countries. However, the study also stresses the collective duty of all stakeholders to remove systemic barriers and build a truly equitable ecosystem.

Citation

Mpofu, T. (2026) Intersectional perspectives of black women on boards: the illusion of inclusion. University of Wolverhampton. https://wlv.openrepository.com/handle/2436/626433

Publisher

University of Wolverhampton

URI

https://wlv.openrepository.com/handle/2436/626433

Type

Thesis or dissertation

Language

en

Description

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Collections

Theses and Dissertations