Delving into the dichotomous trajectory of Indian women flexpatriates: using the lens of JD-R theory
Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance
ISSN: 2051-6614
Article publication date: 17 August 2021
Issue publication date: 26 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing from the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) theory, this paper aims to identify unique job demands, job resources and personal resources in the context of Indian women flexpatriates (IWFs) and understand how they manage to perform in their short-term international assignments (SIAs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study takes a qualitative approach by conducting in-depth interviews of 15 IWFs.
Findings
Thematic analysis reveals dual-role workload, emotional demands and diluted importance of the assignments as job demands; opportunity for professional growth, social support and combination of work and leisure as job resources, and building up of self-esteem and self-efficacy as personal resources. Also, the unique Indian family structure, Indian women's desire to have “me-time” and zeal to strengthen their identity emerge as differentiating factors for IWFs that enhance their performance.
Practical implications
IWFs are enthusiastic to take up SIAs as it gives them opportunity to enhance their career and strengthen their identity. In addition to their willingness to travel, advance planning of SIAs and profiling of women based on marital status, family type and children can be done for selection.
Social implications
Despite hailing from paternalistic and male-dominating society and facing familial challenges, IWFs find SIAs liberating, which gives them an opportunity to spend some “me-time,” strengthen their identity and enhance their professional growth.
Originality/value
This is the first qualitative study contextualizing flexpatriation with gender and region by studying Indian women professionals.
Keywords
Citation
Sengupta, S., Tewari, D., Mohyuddin, S., Patel, P. and Prikshat, V. (2021), "Delving into the dichotomous trajectory of Indian women flexpatriates: using the lens of JD-R theory", Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, Vol. 8 No. 4, pp. 387-406. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOEPP-02-2021-0024
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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