When Sisterly Support Changes to Sabotage

Abstract

Although research on women's leadership extols the benefits of women's pro-fessional collaborations and mentorship, one cannot assume that all women are trustworthy and supportive of other women. This qualitative study explored the phenomenon of professional sabotage among women in educational leadership. Results revealed that, although women who engaged in sabotage were propor-tionately few in number, the damage they inflicted on other women's reputa-tions, careers, and emotional well-being was great. "Cross a man and you struggle, one of you wins, you adjust and go on- oryou lie there dead. Cross a woman and the universe is changed, once again, for cold an-ger requires an eternal vigilance in all matters of slight and offense."-Maguire (1995) Relationships between women can be powerful assets in women's profes-sional and personal lives or powerful ~ources of betrayal and pain. Women count on each other for career assistance, mentorship, collaboration, and friendship. They share their sorrows, problems, secrets, and successes. However, the personal sharing fundamental to women's relationships also

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