Speaking from within: an examination of the lived experiences of Black women in the Connecticut higher education system.

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20247191

This phenomenological study aimed to describe and understand how Black women faculty and staff working at a public college or university in Connecticut experienced and perceived organizational culture. Studies report that African-American students and faculty are misplaced, misrecognized, not recognized (Robinson, 2015; Andrews, 2012; Ford, 2011) and experience chilly organizational climates. The research attempted to answer one question: What are Black female professionals perceptions of their experience with organizational culture in the CSCU system? The participants included seven Black female professionals with three or more years working in the CSCU system. The theoretical underpinnings guiding the study were Edgar Scheins organizational culture model and Patricia Hill Collins Black Feminist thought. The results of this study revealed that Black female professionals perceived the culture within the CSCU system to be exclusive and difficult to navigate. The participants identified three themes: (a) lack of diversity, (b) the importance of leadership, and (c) the importance of relationships. The study concludes with recommendations and suggestions for further research.