Informed Consent Form

Introduction: I, First NameLast Name have been invited to participate in a study for the research project titled “Research on Leadership Achievement by Women” conducted by the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. I have received the invitation from Michelle Holmes, who will facilitate the study. 

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to understand leadership achievement behaviors by women and how women can be supported to advance professionally.

Procedures: By choosing to participate, I agree to attend a virtually-hosted training experience related to leadership, complete three online surveys, and submit two brief written responses to leadership-related prompts. The training, surveys, and writing samples are expected to take up to 2.25 hours. The study will be conducted in a confidential manner, and my survey and written responses may be used anonymously in a generalized fashion for academic or practical publication of research insights.

Risks and Benefits: There are no anticipated risks associated with participating in this study. However, some participants may find certain questions or topics uncomfortable. Benefits of participating include accessing new, empirically-based training designed specifically for women and contributing to research on women and leadership. Additionally, participants will receive compensation of $100 for their time and participation and may be awarded a voucher that can be redeemed for one hour of executive coaching by a professional leadership coach. A final copy of the research findings will be provided to all participants.

Confidentiality: All information obtained from me during the study will be kept confidential. My identity will not be disclosed, and any data shared will only be used in an anonymized form. My responses will be collected using two third-party survey platforms called Qualtrics and Project Implicit. Qualtrics is a secure platform that complies with industry standards for data protection and my responses will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by law. Qualtrics employs encryption and other security measures to protect the data collected during the study; my responses will be stored securely on the Qualtrics servers, which are protected against unauthorized access. Data exchanged with the Project Implicit site are protected by SSL encryption. Project Implicit uses the same secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS) that banks use to securely transfer credit card information; this protocol provides strong security for data transfer to and from the Project Implicit website. Only the researchers involved in this study will have access to the data collected through Qualtrics and Project Implicit, and my responses will be reported in aggregate form. My personal identifying information will be kept separate from my survey responses to maintain confidentiality. Aggregated data provided by Qualtrics and Project Implicit to the research team will be stored in a secure database accessible only to the research team and accessed by a password-protected computer.

Voluntary Participation: Participation is entirely voluntary. I understand that I am free to withdraw at any time without providing a reason. If I choose to withdraw, my data collected through Qualtrics will be deleted upon request. I understand that if I withdraw without completing all elements of the study, I will not be compensated and will not be eligible for the executive coaching voucher.

Contact Information: If I have any questions or concerns about the study, I may contact Michelle Holmes at mholmes@rollins.edu or by phone at 1-206-310-7427, or I may contact the IRB Chair at Rollins College, Dr. John Houston, at jhouston@rollins.edu.

Consent: I have read and understand the information provided in this form. I voluntarily agree to participate in the study for the research project on leadership achievement by women. I understand that my response will be handled confidentially and used anonymously for research purposes.