Essential life skills required to break the corporate glass ceiling -A study of women leaders in major cities of Pakistan

Abstract

The interest in the study of women leaders in Pakistan is no different than the rest of the world. In the Companies Act 2017, the clause for gender diversity was passed by Parliament with massive support. In support of this, Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance is offering a Directors Training Program for women to better equip them with the skills required for executive positions. Considering these developments, it is evident that the focus on developing career women is now prevalent in the country. It also highlights the fact that legal intervention was required for gender diversity. This study aims to find out the essential life skills that are present in women leaders in Pakistan that has helped them progress in their career by enabling them to overcome and fight the challenges caused by personal, familial, societal, cultural and even religious norms. Recent research in developed countries such as America, England, Canada, Finland and Japan show that a change in attitude and development of certain personality traits has lead to women progressing in their career.It is essential from project management perspective as well as most organizations are moving towards project-based work. The study is both descriptive and exploratory in nature. This study examines their findings in Pakistan. Quantitative data analysis is done using convenience sampling and data generation through questionnaires for assessing the presence of certain life skills in women leaders. Qualitative data analysis is done using purposive sampling and interviewing 10 women leaders to better understand which life skills helped them climb the corporate ladder. The life skills under study were self-esteem, self-motivation, goal-setting, resiliency, teamwork, communication, conflict management, stress management, decision making and problem solving which were segregated in 3 leadership traits: self-awareness, social boldness and tough mindedness. The findings of the study reveal that majority women leaders have these skills and credit their success to having these abilities.