Women in management in India

Abstract

This paper is in extension of the paper "Career paths of women in management in India". W.P. No. 884 by the same author. In this paper, the origin and the gradual movement of women's role and identity patterns are discussed in the cultural context. The process of transformation from the agrarian model of living to the industrial mode is emphasized in the first part of the paper. Empirical data has suggested that sexual identity rather than women's work is more important in predicting the respondent's traditional and modern approach to life. Traditional values and approaches continue to define and determine the lines of women, whereas some indications of modernity are noted among them. Women's role in management is then explored in the context of Indian culture, societal design and formal work organization. Career paths of women in management in India are distinctly identified into three phases. The move from being job oriented to career oriented to profession oriented is discussed in detail. Issues of women in management in the organizational context are probed into and the future scenario in the cultural, organizational and role context is reflected upon.