Gender paths in international careers: an approach centred on demands and resources

Valentina Dolce (), Monica Molino (), Sophie Wodociag () and Chiara Ghislieri
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Valentina Dolce: GRePS - Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2
Sophie Wodociag: CREGO - Centre de Recherche en Gestion des Organisations - Université de Haute-Alsace (UHA) - Université de Haute-Alsace (UHA) Mulhouse - Colmar - UB - Université de Bourgogne - UBFC - Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté [COMUE] - UFC - Université de Franche-Comté - UBFC - Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté [COMUE]

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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: International experience; Career paths; Gender differences; Work-family balance; Top managers; Qualitative study; Italian context (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021-01-07
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Published in Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research, 2021, 9 (1), pp.65-89. ⟨10.1108/JGM-04-2020-0026⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03451532

DOI: 10.1108/JGM-04-2020-0026

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