THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF FEMALE BOARD MEMBERS TO THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS CULTURE

KADIN YÖNETİM KURULU ÜYELERİNİN ÖRGÜT VE KÜLTÜRÜNE KATKILARI

Abstract

This study aims to examine the contributions of female board members to organizations and organizational culture. Within this framework, a qualitative research approach was adopted, and the study was designed as a case study. The research focused on a large-scale organization with a corporate structure, selected as an appropriate case due to its managerial practices and relevance to the research objectives. To ensure confidentiality, all identifying institutional information was anonymized. Data were collected through face-to-face, in-depth interviews conducted with four members of the board of directors, including two female and two male members. The interview data were analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques. Initially, open coding was applied to identify meaningful codes. Subsequently, the interview findings were compared with the life story narratives of the female board members obtained at different times, and axial coding was employed to establish relationships among the codes. Through this process, thematically coherent categories were developed. The findings reveal that the contributions of female board members extend beyond participation in managerial decision-making processes and play a significant role in shaping organizational culture. In particular, it was observed that family values formed under the influence of the founding principles of the organization serve as a guiding framework for female board members. These values are integrated with their professional expertise and reflected in organizational practices. In this context, female board members not only internalize organizational culture but also make meaningful contributions to its continuity and reinforcement through the values they uphold.