Factors and Influences of Women’s Participation in Management and Leadership: The Context of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the factors of and influences on women’s participation in management and leadership in Saudi Arabia and the related challenges and/or barriers to work advancement for women, by using institutional theory as the theoretical framework. This study has six objectives.

In relation to the first objective, this study discovered that demographic variables, such as age and work experience, have considerable influence on women in management and leadership. Marital status has significant influence before 40 years of age, but the influence diminishes after that age. The current state of women leadership in Saudi Arabia is competent and near to significant strength. In relation to the second objective, this study discovered that women do not have any specific leadership-development programme.