International careers and career success of Indian women in science & technology: The importance of career capital and organizational capital
Valk,R. van der Velde,E.G. van Engen,M.L.
Valk,R.
van der Velde,E.G.
van Engen,M.L.
Abstract
This article presents a study on international careers and career success of Indian women in Science & Technology (S&T). We conducted interviews with 30 (upper) middle class Indian women in New Delhi and Bangalore (India) who pursued careers abroad as self-initiated expatriates (SIEs). Important elements of career capital competencies in international career pursuits and career success of Indian women SIEs in S&T were: (a) families who value higher education and careers of their female children, which motivated women to pursue international careers to elevate family class status (knowing-why); (b) the motivation to gain knowledge and skills in science and technology (knowing-how) and (c) the encouragement and support from family for women’s international career pursuits, and international networks (knowing-whom). Furthermore, findings show that patriarchy entrenched in Indian society and culture resulted in a lack of organizational capital, which impede career success of women in S&T. We advise organizations in India to implement HR policies and practices embracing the development of career capital to empower Indian women in S&T to be successful in their international careers. Keywords: Indian women, self-initiated expatriates, career capital, organizational capital, career success
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2014
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Valk, R, van der Velde, E G & van Engen, M L 2014, 'International careers and career success of Indian women in science & technology : The importance of career capital and organizational capital', South Asian Journal of Human Resource Management, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 175-205. https://doi.org/10.1177/2322093714549107
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info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess