Arete Vol 2 Spring 2024

Αρετή (Arete) Journal of Excellence in Global Leadership | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 2024

Leadership Development Interventions to Reduce Imposter Phenomenon in the STEM Fields in Minorities

Kristen Merchant Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, Indiana Associate Director, Union & Student Activities and Director, LEAD programs

Abstract Background: There is a significant lack of diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Evidence shows that lack of representation can feed into feelings of imposter phenomenon which in turn influences leadership qualities. Objectives: An argument is made that by providing leadership development training to minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, confidence will be boosted, feelings of imposter phenomenon will be reduced, and thus these students will be retained. Approach: Theories explored to explain this challenge include the imposter phenomenon, servant leadership, and transformational leadership. Results: The goal of this article is to demonstrate the need for research into leadership development of minorities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Conclusions: A program proposal is also introduced as a suggested plan of action based on the findings. Keywords: STEM, Imposter phenomenon, leadership, servant leadership, transformational leadership, minorities in STEM, leadership development

Paper type: Critical Essay & Perspective

Citation: Merchant, K. (2024). Leadership Development Interventions to Reduce Imposter Phenomenon in the STEM Fields in Minorities. Αρετή (Arete) Journal of Excellence in Global Leadership , 2(1). 96-109. https://doi.org/10.59319/arete.v2i1.841

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