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Presentation
Opportunities for Women's Employment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: The Presence and Future of Women in Human Resource Management
Academy of Management Annual Meeting (2013)
  • Linzi Kemp, American University of Sharjah
  • Susan R. Madsen, Utah Valley University
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to investigate the state of affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the presence (or absence) of women in human resource management (HRM). The study is then extended to investigate where other females are located within organizations (e.g., board members, chief officers, vice presidents, top management, division or unit heads). We conducted a quantitative gender analysis of 1125 companies in the KSA. Women are employed in the KSA in small numbers when compared with the number of males. Women are found in HRM positions at a higher percentage when compared with women in other management roles. Women are extremely underrepresented in senior roles in KSA organizations currently, but there are indications of the increased employment of women in the KSA. We discuss the future opportunities in HRM within the talent management framework to progress women’s employment success, particularly in management and leadership. In terms of practical application, findings show that human resources principles and practices can be reviewed to recruit more women, to retain them in the workforce, and to enhance women’s promotion opportunities. This study has theoretical implications for HRM particularly in its contribution to knowledge about global talent management.
Keywords
  • KSA,
  • Saudia Arabia,
  • women,
  • leadership,
  • management
Publication Date
Summer August, 2013
Citation Information
Linzi Kemp and Susan R. Madsen. "Opportunities for Women's Employment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: The Presence and Future of Women in Human Resource Management" Academy of Management Annual Meeting (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/susan_madsen/188/