A qualitative study exploring the experiences of Muslim women in the South African workplace
Orientation: More Muslim women are entering the labour market, and this requires an understanding of the cultural and social contexts as there may be challenges inhibiting their growth and advancement. Research purpose: The purpose of this article is threefold: (1) to explore the perceptions of Mus...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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AOSIS
2025-01-01
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| Series: | SA Journal of Human Resource Management |
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| Online Access: | https://sajhrm.co.za/index.php/sajhrm/article/view/2817 |
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| Summary: | Orientation: More Muslim women are entering the labour market, and this requires an understanding of the cultural and social contexts as there may be challenges inhibiting their growth and advancement.
Research purpose: The purpose of this article is threefold: (1) to explore the perceptions of Muslim women relating to career success; (2) to identify the challenges facing Muslim women and (3) to describe the organisational culture as experienced by Muslim women in the South African workplace.
Motivation for the study: Literature often focusses on the challenges women face in general, yet little examines the challenges experienced by Muslim women in the work context. This article seeks to identify whether the challenges experienced are similar or whether specific interventions are required to ensure the career success of Muslim women.
Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research design was employed using open-ended questions in an online survey as the data collection tool. Data were collected from 88 Muslim women across industries, professions and provinces within South Africa.
Main findings: Experiences of success focus on happiness, contentment and growth, whereas perceptions of success in the organisation are objective and include promotion, financial gain and status. The key challenges can include a lack of resources and support; however, respondents reported mostly a positive organisational culture supporting career and personal aspirations.
Practical/managerial implications: Enhancing cross-cultural awareness and understanding contributes to the experienced career success of Muslim women.
Contribution/value-add: The findings propose interventions to advance the career, wellness and overall experiences of Muslim women. |
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| ISSN: | 1683-7584 2071-078X |