Abstract
This article reports a national survey of successful women in speech communication and analyzes pathways to advancement, mentoring, communicative practices, and self perception. Using a six page questionnaire sent to women at the associate and professor ranks listed in the 1983 disciplinary directory, the study obtained 163 responses, a 52 percent rate. Respondents typically achieved promotion through traditional academic markers, including publications in communication journals, national conference presentations, professional service, and strong student evaluations, while external grants and books were less common. About two thirds reported having a mentor, most often a man, and many served as mentors to junior women. Participants expressed high self confidence and identified themselves as departmental leaders, while recognizing persistent systemic inequities in rank, pay, and access to administrative roles. Advice emphasized seeking mentors, publishing, building networks, and developing methodological skills. The study acknowledges limits of generalizability due to the sampling frame and response rate and calls for follow up research on personal life contexts and cross field comparisons.
Recommended Citation
Pearson, Judy C. and Trent, Judith S.
(1986)
"Successful Women in Speech Communication: A National Survey of Strategies and Skills, Contributions and Conflicts,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 56, Article 19.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol56/iss1/19
