"Can One Put Faith and Work in the Same Sentence?" Faith Development and Vocation of a Female Leader in the Engineering Profession

Abstract

Faith has been pointed out as a possible resource in strengthening individuals' health and well-being at work. The aim of this article is to gain in-depth knowledge of the faith development and vocation of a selected female leader in a male-dominated work context. The article contributes to research on faith development in women leaders, based on Fowler's faith development theory. This is a single case study grounded in a qualitative research design. In-depth qualitative data were gathered through observation and interviews over 18 months. Findings showed the development of faith across a women leader's life span and highlight that faith and vocation are important resources that provide strength, meaningfulness and a vision.

Keywords: Australia; Engineering; Fowler’s faith development theory; Health and well-being; Male-dominated profession; Single case study, qualitative research; Women leadership.