Gender paths in international careers: an approach centred on demands and resources
ISSN: 2049-8799
Article publication date: 7 January 2021
Issue publication date: 16 March 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the interplay between international experiences and male and female top managers' career paths, taking into consideration gender differences. Furthermore, the research investigates the specific job and personal demands and resources related to the different types of international work experiences.
Design/methodology/approach
This study provides an in-depth subjective reconstruction of the international professional experience of 37 male and female top managers employed in Italy, using semi-structured interviews.
Findings
Participants highlighted the benefits of their international assignments (IAs) in terms of the development of managerial, soft and cross-cultural skills. Family issues and cultural differences were frequently cited as challenges by the top managers interviewed. Culture shock and perceived difficulty in managing multicultural teams were reported by both women and men. Men reported experiencing long periods of separation from their family more often than women and cited the support of their partner as a valuable resource. In addition to the support of a partner, women also indicated that certain job resources and welfare policies played a crucial role. Moreover, women appear to be more interested in work-family management issues, thus suggesting that the traditional division of roles between men and women continues to persist in Italy.
Originality/value
This study provides an insight into the extrinsic factors linked to career success, as well as the challenges and the resources associated with different forms of global work other than traditional expatriation. It takes into consideration a specific country, Italy, where a traditional family paradigm persists, providing an insight into better understanding the link between IA experiences and gender roles in global mobility. Managerial implications are also discussed.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The study was carried out thanks to the support of Patrizia Ghiazza (former Senior Partner, Eurosearch Consultants) and Roberta Accettura (former Head of Executives and Talent Management, Intesa Sanpaolo Group), who contributed to the identification and recruitment of participants suitable for the study aims.
Citation
Dolce, V., Molino, M., Wodociag, S. and Ghislieri, C. (2021), "Gender paths in international careers: an approach centred on demands and resources", Journal of Global Mobility, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 65-89. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGM-04-2020-0026
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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