Unlocking Opportunities: How Women Navigate Informal Networks in Saudi Arabia's Evolving Workplace
Journal article
Authors | Ali, S., AlQahtani, M. and Mrabet, M. |
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Abstract | In the context of the Arab countries of the Middle East, Wasta informal networks predominate in the business environment. Whilst historically women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had limited access to informal networks, recent socio-economic changes have had a positive impact on women's participation in the workplace. This research explores the use of Wasta informal networks by women in the context of the new Saudi workplace based on 26 interviews conducted with Saudi professional women. The findings highlight that, due to the changes in the formal institutions, which in turn impacts informal institutions, women are generally afforded more direct access to networks, enabling them to attain jobs and progress their careers. The research also contributes to informal network literature by distinguishing between Wasta (negative practice) and other forms of informal networks (positive/beneficial practice). Suggestions are offered to policymakers, managers, and women practitioners to navigate the use of informal networks and Wasta. |
Keywords | Wasta; Informal Networks; Women's employment networks; Saudi Arabia |
Year | 2024 |
Journal | Thunderbird International Business Review |
Journal citation | pp. 1-12 |
Publisher | Wiley |
ISSN | 1520-6874 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1002/tie.22417 |
Web address (URL) | https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/tie.22417 |
Accepted author manuscript | License File Access Level Open |
Publication dates | |
Online | 04 Nov 2024 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 15 Oct 2024 |
Deposited | 05 Nov 2024 |
https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/qq80y/unlocking-opportunities-how-women-navigate-informal-networks-in-saudi-arabia-s-evolving-workplace
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Accepted author manuscript
Unlocking Opportunities- How Women Navigate Informal Networks in Saudi Arabia's Evolving Workplace- post accepted version.docx | ||
License: CC BY 4.0 | ||
File access level: Open |
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