Conformers, fighters and rebels: the unfolding of the careers of women in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

There are few career studies that examine the unfolding of the careers of women managers in the Arab Gulf states. Based on in-depth interviews, this study examines the career paths of women managers in the United Arab Emirates. The current study demonstrates how the careers of women in this country unfold in a multidimensional perspective, within the country’s unique macro-cultural and meso-organizational contexts. The findings also reveal how the women managers adopt some aspects of the contemporary careers to fight or rebel against the gender discrimination, inequality and bureaucracy that are inherent within their traditional careers. The study ultimately provides some recommendations with implications for human resources development and the further advancement of women’s careers.

Keywords:

• careers
• women
• bureaucracy
• discrimination
• Arab Gulf states
• United Arab Emirates

Notes

1. Arab Gulf states comprise the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states that include United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.