Annabel Pennefather : her influence on women in sport in Singapore

• Main Author: Haikal Eiman Supa'at
• Other Authors: Nicholas Giles Aplin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Family, marriage and women; DRNTU::Business::Management::Leadership
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/59164
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The Pennefather family has recorded significant sporting achievements in Singapore since 1930s. Annabel Pennefather has gone beyond sport participation and is involved in the administration of sport. The aim of this research is to examine and analyse Annabel Pennefather’s influence on women in sport in Singapore. It also aims to highlight significant events that have shaped her as an individual in the sports industry today. This study adopted a qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The only interviewee was Annabel Pennefather. The interviews were transcribed and coded in the style of a deductive approach. Two category headings had been predetermined - women in sport and leadership - and data were categorised accordingly. The data analyses were supported by respondent’s validation and peer review. Findings showed that Annabel possessed characteristics that are intimately bound up with the five practices of exemplary leadership of Kouzes and Posner (2007). Though the Brighton Declaration prompted the Singapore Sports Council to invite a woman to be a member, Annabel was the most capable. From then on, Annabel’s influence grew and she became the voice for women in sports in Singapore. Annabel is highly regarded for her values, experience and leadership. She has surpassed boundaries and limitations placed on woman in sport administration. She remains to be a strong influence to women in sport in Singapore. Keywords: Annabel Pennefather, women in sport, leadership, sport administration