Geographies of Gender and Leadership: Regional Inequalities and Women in Omans Oil & Gas Sector

Title

Geographies of Gender and Leadership: Regional Inequalities and Women in Omans Oil & Gas Sector

Creator

Madhusudhan, Uma; James, Leena

Description

Introduction / Main Objective: This research explores Omani women's spatial and cultural barriers to leadership in the Oil & Gas industry. It looks at geographic location and regional differences and how these affect women's access to and experience of leadership. Background of the Problem: While significant advancements have been made in women's participation in the labor force in Oman, spatial disparities still exist whereby women in urban areas have more chances of leadership compared to women in rural or rural-remote towns. Cultural expectations and infrastructural constraints add to these geographical disparities. Novelty: This study innovatively combines a geographic perspective in gender and leadership research in Oman's Oil & Gas sector with an emphasis on regional disparities influencing women's career development. Research Methods: A qualitative method involving questionnaires was conducted among thirty women managers within various regions of Oman. Responses were processed to determine spatially connected obstacles and coping mechanisms. Findings: Women in urban areas like Muscat enjoy better access to education, professional networks, and organizational support, while women in rural areas are confronted by cultural conservatism, poor infrastructure, and lower promotion opportunities. There was an urban-rural leadership training and family support divide. Conclusion: Geography profoundly influences women's leadership paths in Oman's Oil & Gas industry. For policies to enhance gender equity, leadership development policy needs to take regional disparities into consideration and adapt interventions to local contexts. 2025, Green Publication. All rights reserved.

Source

Journal of Applied Bioanalysis;Volume;11;Issue;3;pp.620-628

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

Green Publication

Subject

Geography; Leadership; Oil & Gas Sector; Oman; Regional Development; Spatial Inequality; Women

Coverage

Madhusudhan U., School of Business Management. Christ (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, India; James L., School of Business Management. Christ (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 2405710X;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.53555/jab.v11i3.277

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105011598990?origin=resultslist