Research Information System
BUSINESS ETHICS AND LEADERSHIP (BEL), vol.10, no.1, pp.21-40, 2026 (Scopus)
Within the context of gender equality and business leadership literature, this study examines how the leadership characteristics and trust-based relationship-building practices of female deans in Turkey have changed over time. Current literature on gender equality and business leadership discussions mostly rely on cross-sectional designs, while studies that analyze the experiences of women leaders in academic administration longitudinally, revealing the interaction between trust-based relationships and structural inequalities, remain limited. The aim of this research is to determine how the leadership characteristics and styles of female deans in university administrations in Turkey changed during their terms of office. The research is based on data obtained from a total of 8 in-depth interviews conducted with 4 female deans working at a state university in Turkey at the beginning and end of their terms of office, repeated between 2022 and 2025. These data were analyzed using MAXQDA software through longitudinal content analysis. The findings show that female deans tended to suppress their emotions more at the end of their term, with 75% of participants exhibiting this tendency. In the context of social characteristics, the fact that all four deans stated that they had shifted towards distant and formal communication in the second interviews draws attention to the fact that relationships have moved away from a foundation of trust and shifted towards a professional basis. The weakening of leadership styles over time among all deans is associated with the influence of top management, which was emphasized by 75% of the participants at the end of their terms. Ultimately, this study offers longitudinal insights into academic leadership and gender equality. It highlights new research avenues and practical applications for institutional policies aimed at strengthening organizational trust and addressing systemic inequality in universities.