Typology of career development for Arab women managers in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore how women managers in the United Arab Emirates account for and construct their career development. Design/methodology/approach A narrative approach is adopted for analyzing in‐depth interviews with 15 women managers in the United Arab Emirates. Findings The study produced a typology distinguishing four types of career development among women managers in the United Arab Emirates: progressive, moderate, facilitated and idealistic. The results suggest that social status and family connections can play a significant role in women's career development. Originality/value The value of this paper is two‐fold. First, it contributes to the previously under‐researched topic of the careers of Arab women managers. Second, it emphasizes the importance of societal context when studying women's careers in the Middle East.