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Successful Cooperative Doctorate in Intercultural Communication Research

Frau mit langen dunkelblonden Haaren steht vor Leinwand mit Titel ihrer Promotion

Angela Warkentin’s dissertation at Technical University of Darmstadt in cooperation with Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences provides new insights into communication patterns and key competencies of female leaders in a global working environment.

Angela Warkentin has successfully completed her doctoral studies in the field of intercultural communication research and has been awarded the academic degree of Dr. phil. The dissertation was conducted at the Department of Linguistics – Multilingualism at the Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) as part of a cooperative doctoral program with Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences (TH Aschaffenburg). The research was supervised by Britta Hufeisen (TU Darmstadt) and Renate Link (TH Aschaffenburg). It is also the first successfully completed cooperative doctorate at the Institute for Intercultural Communication.

Communication Patterns and Key Competencies of Female Leaders

The dissertation is entitled “Leadership Communication in Intercultural Work Environments: Communication Patterns and Key Competencies of Female Leaders”. Its objective was to analyse communication patterns as well as the core competencies of female leaders in intercultural workplace contexts.

The findings show that, despite existing structural barriers, women possess decisive potential for effective leadership – particularly through strong self-reflection and communication skills. The results further indicate that the greatest challenges do not primarily stem from culturally driven differences in communication, but rather from persistent structural barriers and the underrepresentation of women in male-dominated leadership environments.

  • Dr. phil. Angela Warkentin (right) with Prof. Dr. Renate Link in front of the historic portal of TU Darmstadt.

The Importance of Intercultural Competence as a Leadership Quality

The study demonstrates that successful leadership in intercultural contexts is based on a dynamic interplay of professional expertise, personal attributes, and communicative abilities. Intercultural competence functions as an overarching key qualification that integrates these factors.

It forms the foundation for effective leadership, even though it often still plays a subordinate role in practice. Its importance is nevertheless evident in measurable outcomes, such as trust-based collaboration and reduced ramp-up times in projects carried out by international teams.

The dissertation thus provides both a significant academic contribution and practical impulses for organisations, as well as for the broader societal debate on equal opportunities in leadership positions.

Academic Background and Professional Career

Angela Warkentin initially studied Business Studies and International Business Management at Aachen University of Applied Sciences, where she specialized early in cross-cultural competencies. Following her master’s degree, she began her external doctoral studies at the Institute for Intercultural Communication at TH Aschaffenburg, in cooperation with the Department of Social Sciences and History at TU Darmstadt, while simultaneously leading the ErUM-Data-Hub team in Aachen.

“I am grateful that the IIC gave me the opportunity to pursue a doctorate alongside my professional career. My experience shows that such paths are feasible for women when appropriate support structures are in place. My special thanks goes to Prof. Dr. Renate Link.”

Prof. Dr. phil. Angela Warkentin

Further Information