Citation
Nemiro, J., Hacker, B., Ferrel, M., & Guthrie, R. (2009). Using appreciative inquiry as a tool to instigate transformational change in recruiting and developing women faculty in STEM disciplines. International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology, 1(1), 5-35.
Highlights
- The authors’ main objective was to develop recommendations for recruiting and developing female faculty in STEM disciplines.
- The authors conducted a series of eight focus groups with science and engineering faculty at a university in the United States to discuss what the organization currently did well and what it could do well in the future, and drew out common themes across the discussions.
- The authors recommended the following best practices for institutions to better recruit female faculty in STEM: (1) create clear and transparent job postings; (2) promote the benefits that the department, university, and community have to offer potential candidates; and (3) actively recruit candidates (for example, by developing relationships with universities and pursuing candidates before they apply for a position).
- The authors also suggested best practices for developing female faculty, including training staff at all levels on the cognitive biases against women, creating within-organization mentoring and networking opportunities for female faculty in STEM, developing family-friendly policies such as leave and flexible schedules, allotting time and funding for professional development, and actively developing women for leadership positions.
Reviewed by CLEAR
March 2016