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2017 | Buch

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Current Perspectives on Asian Women in Leadership

A Cross-Cultural Analysis

herausgegeben von: Dr. Yonjoo Cho, Rajashi Ghosh, Judy Y. Sun, Gary N. McLean

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : Current Perspectives on Asian Women in Leadership

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

This book explores the unique socioeconomic challenges encountered by female leaders in China, India, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries where traditional cultural expectations and modernized values coexist. It provides insight into gender inequality and underutilization of female talent as well as ways to develop highly qualified women in organizations. Chapters from expert contributors analyze the similarities and differences between each Asian country, the organizational and institutional challenges for women in the workplace, and how they balance work-family relationships. It will appeal to researchers and students in human resource development, management, leadership, Asia studies, women’s studies, and political science, among others.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Opening

Frontmatter

1. Asian Women in Leadership: An Introduction

Abstract

This book consists of 10 Asian countries and regions (China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand). We present participating authors’ perspectives on women leaders’ state-of-working conditions and balancing of personal and professional lives. Additionally, we discuss convergence (commonalities) and divergence (differences) of women in leadership across Asia. The book focuses on contexts in ways that highlight the unique cultural and socioeconomic elements of Asia and the strong influence of those elements on women leaders and women in the leadership pipeline. In this chapter, we provide an overview of why we focus on an Asian perspective, what Asian countries are included and why, who our target audiences are, outlines of the ten chapters, and who we are as co-editors. Our discussion opens a possibility for seeing what has not been exposed from a dominant western perspective and identifies lessons learned about women in leadership from a uniquely Asian perspective.

Yonjoo Cho, Rajashi Ghosh, Judy Y. Sun, Gary N. McLean

Research on Women in Leadership in 10 Countries and Regions

Frontmatter

2. Women in Leadership in China: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

This chapter introduces China’s unique transitioning cultural, economic, social, and political contexts in which women’s leadership roles and status are being shaped and developed. The emerging trends of women in leadership in both rural and urban areas and in different generations are discussed. Chinese women’s leadership positions in economic and political activities are examined through a comprehensive review of literature and a comparative analysis of past and present impacts of such leadership at individual, organizational, and national levels. The analysis also delves into implications and suggestions in developing women in leadership in China.

Judy Y. Sun, Jessica Li

3. Current State of Women Leaders in India: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to present a detailed discussion of how traditional beliefs about gender roles and modern notions of women’s independence create a contested space for Indian women leaders. Considering the alarming trend of women dropping out of the workforce in India, it is critical to develop an in-depth understanding of gender stereotypes and resulting tradition–modernity dualism facing women leaders in India. We reviewed the extant literature to offer a comprehensive discussion of gender stereotypes percolating the social, political, economic, and cultural spheres of life in India and present examples to highlight how Indian women are navigating challenges posed by such stereotypes to emerge successful in different sectors in India.

Rajashi Ghosh, Rajeshwari Narendran

4. Women Leaders in Indonesia: Current Picture and Strategies for Empowerment

Abstract

In this chapter, we illustrate the complicated disparity of gender in Indonesia, where paternalistic and traditional culture coexist with the attainment of the sixth highest proportion of women senior managers in the world. We used historical and cultural analysis to address the factors that contribute to this complexity. In this traditional culture, family is the basis for identity development and is the basis for women’s agency in Indonesia. The family, especially fathers, is important in taking change agent roles to stimulate positive identity for women as leaders. We also explore organizational-level strategies involving the formulation of organizational identity as diverse organizations, as well as policies and practices to propel women to grow as leaders.

Corina D. Riantoputra, Eka Gatari

5. Women’s Leadership in Japan

Abstract

The goal of this chapter was to overview the current state of women’s leadership development in Japan. Japan has the lowest percentage of women in managerial positions of any OECD countries with 8.3% even though women represent 49.2% of the Japanese workforce. Considering that the number of women in management positions has not increased in Japan, an in-depth literature review and case studies were used. The goal was to clarify the state of women in leadership positions in Japan through a historical overview of the evolution of women in leadership in Japan. We focused on the Japanese work environment and concluded by presenting an agenda for future research and practice.

Yoshie Tomozumi Nakamura, Mayuko Horimoto

6. Korean Women in Leadership: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The status of women leaders in Korea is still considered token because only a small number of women achieve leadership positions, not yet reaching 15% in all sectors, except the political sector, where 51 women (17%) were selected in the 2016 parliamentary election. Korea occupies one of the lowest women representation in senior roles, boards, and executive committees in Asia and in the world. Korean women’s low status in global rankings is quite alarming given the nation’s prestigious status as a world economic power. Why has Korea’s remarkable economic success failed to translate into women’s corresponding status? In this chapter, we attempted to answer this driving question, though there is no single answer. We reviewed literature on women in leadership in Korea and shared the study results we found from our recent research on women leaders in Korea. We begin with our operational definition of women leaders, provide statistical analysis of women’s participation in the labor market, discuss challenges and opportunities women leaders face, and present research agendas for further investigation.

Yonjoo Cho, Hyounju Kang, Jiwon Park

7. Women in Leadership in Malaysia

Abstract

In this chapter, I analyze women in leadership in Malaysia from historical, political, economic, and cultural perspectives. I discuss women in leadership vis-à-vis women’s social status, family roles, and expectations of women in Malaysian society. A critical review of women in leadership roles in Malaysia is presented. Issues on the participation of women in the workforce, gender inequality, women’s leadership roles, and work–family relationships are also highlighted against the backdrop of the Malaysian cultural background. I conclude with a discussion of the challenges faced by women who aspire to be leaders in this country within the framework of the government, workplace, community, and family. The review is based on online sources and national and international empirical studies. Recommendations for future research conclude the chapter.

Siti Raba’ah Hamzah

8. Uncovering the Space Left for Women to Lead in Myanmar

Abstract

The limitation of the development of skills of women in Myanmar does not imply a lack of ability but rather a lack of opportunity. I critically review how women in Myanmar find opportunities to perform in leading roles, how they overcome barriers, the unique social status they hold, and the strength of women in rural areas. In this chapter, I also review different types of leadership roles women play in Myanmar through a literature review and via personal interviews. In addition, I examine both traditional and non-traditional roles of leadership and how those roles have evolved. I end by drawing conclusions about the changing nature and roles of women within the ever-changing social context of this dynamic and complex country.

Anchalee Gibbins

9. Underrepresentation of Women in Leadership in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Although women dominate Sri Lanka’s population, women’s representation in leadership positions in Sri Lanka is significantly low. This is mainly created by socio-cultural influences, economic and situational factors, society’s psychological contract, and factors of work–family balance. Our analysis of empirical data, supplemented by a literature review, has shown that having strong facilitating factors and specific personal characteristics, some women have become successful leaders, while continuing to face hindrances stimulated in individual, meso, and macro contexts. Some crucial policy directions, commitment to women’s human capital development, the civil society’s roles, and some directions for further research areas have been recommended to improve women’s representation in leadership positions in Sri Lanka.

Udaya Mohan Devadas, Ariyamuni Priyanthi Silva

10. The Power of Taiwanese Women in Leadership and Management

Abstract

Although Taiwan is a small, densely populated area that lacks natural resources, its economy has made great progress during the past few decades. Due to economic demand, Taiwanese women workers have played important roles in Taiwan’s development and growth. Taiwan is rapidly developing within the Asian region in which traditional cultural expectations and modern values coexist; in this context, women in leadership and management positions still face challenges. This chapter includes: (a) the historical, political, economic, and cultural context of Taiwan; (b) the influence of traditional and contemporary values; (c) career development of Taiwanese women; (d) the status of Taiwanese women in political leadership; (e) the status of Taiwanese women in management; (f) the status of Taiwanese women in entrepreneurships; (g) challenges concerning Taiwanese women’s career aspirations; and (i) discussion, including recommendations for practice and future research and conclusions.

Bella Ya-Hui Lien, Gary N. McLean

11. Thai Women in Leadership and Management

Abstract

Women in Thailand have been moving toward equality with men. Being in leadership and management positions is one indicator of equality. Despite this, men’s and women’s leadership situations are not the same. Our literature review focused primarily on Thai literature. Mostly, Thai women leadership has been studied in the context of educational institutions, under a post-positivist perspective. Most results focus on individual women leaders’ personal backgrounds, characteristics, and working styles. Family support was found to be an important factor for women to reach leadership positions. On the other hand, responsibility to family expected of women and social assumptions about women’s characteristics are challenges for women leaders. To understand more about women leaders and leadership in Thailand, we encourage more studies on the multi-dimensional contexts of women in leadership in Thailand, as well as studies using different research paradigms.

Dawisa Sritanyarat, Gary N. McLean

Closing

Frontmatter

12. We Have Come This Far. Now, What Is Next?

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the convergences (similarities) and divergences (differences) of women in leadership in the ten Asian countries and regions included in this book. A brief comparison is made between these Asian and some western country perspectives, concluding that women seeking leadership positions in organizations throughout the world continue to face challenges that keep them from achieving gender equality. I end with my vision for the future in which women finally achieve gender equality and a suggested research agenda in moving these Asian countries and regions toward such equality.

Gary N. McLean

Backmatter

Titel: Current Perspectives on Asian Women in Leadership
herausgegeben von: Dr. Yonjoo Cho
Rajashi Ghosh
Judy Y. Sun
Gary N. McLean
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-54996-5
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-54995-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54996-5