International careers and career success of Indian women in science & technology: The importance of career capital and organizational capital

R. Valk, E.G. van der Velde, M.L. van Engen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

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
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)175-205
JournalSouth Asian Journal of Human Resource Management
Volume1
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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