Women engineers in leadership: navigating emotional labour and emotion stereotypes
Abstract
Despite efforts, women remain underrepresented in engineering education, profession, and leadership positions, facing challenges balancing gender identity with professional expectations. This qualitative interview study examines the experiences of 17 women engineers in leadership roles. Data were collected through semi-structured online interviews conducted from Belgium. Drawing on recent research on emotion in engineering education and practice, the study explores experiences of gender-emotion stereotypes and emotional labour. Findings reveal how women leaders navigate emotion display rules, develop empathic leadership styles, and perform emotional labour across education, professional, and leadership contexts. The study concludes with recommendations for inclusive engineering education and organisational culture.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Emotional Labor in Professions
Emotional Intelligence and Performance
Interdisciplinary Cultural and Social Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- European Journal of Engineering Education
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 51
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 1575–1596
- Publication date
- 3 April 2026
- Language
- EN