7/14/2015aya qram 071 ms. adida yang amri [email protected]@usm.my associate professor zainal...

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Ms. Adida Yang Amri [email protected] Professor Zainal Ariffin Ahmad [email protected]

School of ManagementUniversiti Sains Malaysia

“How do men and women conceptualise the concept of

Success?”A Preliminary Finding

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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•How do individuals define success for themselves?

•How do individuals define a successful woman?

Research QuestionsIntroduction

TheoreticalFoundation

Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Both questions require the researcher to delve into understanding the individual’s perception of success and how they view a successful woman.

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Research in this area tended to use male characteristics: Power Money Status Authority

= Measurement success = Male characteristics = Even when the research were studying female subjects

Barley (1989) Breiger (1995) Stovel, Savage, & Bearman (1996)

Findings from this study = Add knowledge and understanding in the area of gender and organisational studies in Malaysia = An area that constantly evolves due to changes in management style, economy, market and culture that are influenced greatly via globalization.

Significance of StudyIntroduction

Significance of Study


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

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Need to…

Essential to fully utilize HR of M’sia to achieve 2020 goals

Minimize work-family conflict minimize work-personal development conflicts

How:By understanding how men and women define success for themselves

Create a motivating & nurturing workenvironment

Significance of the StudyIntroduction

Significance of Study


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

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Comparisons between genders have been made in a few studies, but again from a career or work success perspective. Mainly focusing on how men and women deal with stress at work and how they deal with work – family or family – work conflict.

(Chusmir & Parker, 2001; Jensen & Towle, 1991a; Phyllis Moen, 2003).

Studies were mainly quantitative, using surveys via pen and paper method or over the phone surveys.

Literature ReviewIntroduction


Research Question

Literature Review

MethodologySuccessful Career Successful Life

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The definition of success needs to include not just what happens at the work place but also the broader effect work has on the other important social system of a person’s life. Which is the family and society in general (J. N. Cleveland, 2005).

As proposed by Miller (1986) the current male criteria for success should change to encompass women’s concept of success (Gallos, 1989; Gilligan, 1982).



Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

work

FamilySociety=

SUCCESS

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Gaps in the LiteratureThere has not been a study looking at understanding, how individuals define success for themselves and how would they define a successful woman.

Nor has there been any study looking at individuals working in large national conglomerate and comparing the findings to individuals working in a teaching hospital in Malaysia.



Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

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Research SitesA large national conglomerate and a teaching hospital.

Two reasons why these organizations were selected Firstly, the education and development industry is the largest

employment sector in Malaysia and will continue to be the fastest growing sector of the Malaysian economy.

Secondly, it is also the sector where there are a high percentage of women employed at all levels of an organisation.

MethodologyIntroduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

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The respondents will be selected to be invited for this study based on the crietrias set. Such as 5 years of working experience, must be working full time, ethnicity, gender, must be Malaysians and position in the company.

Participation will be on a voluntary basis as they will be invited to become respondents.

It is of course noted that the findings for this study only reflects the opinions of a group of Malaysians from two specific organisations. Nevertheless, findings from this study could still be used to provide some insights into how Malaysians perceive success and how they view a successful woman.



Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

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Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

To ensure uniformity, core questions will be asked of every respondent, thus increasing the validity of the data when it is used to compare and contrast among the respondents involved.

The interview questions looks at two dimensions of success.

•Success as the respondent defines it for themselves.

•Success when linked with the definition of a successful woman.

Interview sessions lasted between one hour and twenty minutes to one hour and forty five minutes.

Any interview context is a socially constructed event. Where 2 individuals are interacting and many factors can influence the effectiveness of an interview

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Analysis Processes



Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Analysis focused on the content of the interview, on what was said and not on how it was said.

Ideas analysis and themes identification that emerges from the interview transcripts (Gee, 1993; Mishler,1995; Riessman,1993).

Content of the interviews was taken at face value and thus treated as ‘true experiences’ of the respondents.

Key to the analysis process is continuous reading and rereading of the transcripts.

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As expected the story format was used by respondents to explain their viewpoint.

However the analysis format used did not analyse the data using the narrative approach but attention was on identifying key themes and / or ideas that surfaces from the data.

The unit of analysis is the individual, as the objective of the study is trying to understand the individual’s perception about the concept being studied.



Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

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Data analysis processesBased on the 5 stages of data analysis as identified by (Ritchie &

Spenser, 1994; Sturges, 1999) which are:

• Familiarization with data• Identifying a thematic framework or index• Indexing or Coding• Charting or building up a picture of the data as a whole with

reference to the coding system developed• Mapping and interpreting – defining concepts and creating

typologies and orientational categories.

All analysis was done manually as the numbers were manageable and researcher felt more comfortable and closer to the data then when using software such as Nvivo.



Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

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The process of reading and rereading the transcripts and listening to the tapes provided much needed insights to the nuances of the words spoken and the information given by the respondents. Which may be missed or lost if a software was used at this stage.

Notes made during the interviews and immediately after each interview was used as references to jog memory and this made the transcripts come ‘alive’ for the researcher during the analysis phase.



Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

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AnalysisEach transcript was analysed in-depth and went through a compare and contrast exercise to find similarities and differences in perception among the respondents. Each respondent treated as a unique case. Another compare and contrast exercise was carried out to find any similarities or differences that may exist between the two groups of respondents categorised based on their organisation. At this point the organisation will be treated as a case of its own.

Therefore, based on the analysis process used for this study, certain aspects of the case study approach was used.

Aspects such as treating each respondent and the organizations involved as a unique case or perhaps more accurately viewed as a multi site case study.



Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

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Organising DataTranscripts was not transcribed at one hundred percent at verbatim.

Minor parts of the interview such as the “ums…” coughing, uncompleted words and laughter was not transcribed Where required the transcripts was translated from Bahasa Malaysia to English. Transcripts were returned to respondents for approval.

Transcripts was categorized first by organization then by gender.

For each research question the transcripts were categorized by gender and analyzed. The second stage of analysis was to see if there were any patterns that emerged that could be associated with ethnicity or age. Any deviant cases was reanalyzed to ensure there are no gaps in the analysis. Explanations and theories was referred to explain any deviancy.



Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

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Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Instrument An interview protocol was developed consisting of five parts with core and probing questions (Appendix 1):

Part A – Meaning of Success and Successful Woman

Part B – Life Experiences and Perception of Success

Part C – How to Succeed in Organizations

Part D – Successful Women in the Workplace

Part E – Personal Success Stories

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Table 1. Profile of RespondentsFind ings

86.44.50.09.1

19102

54.527.30.0

18.2

12604

Islam BuddhistChristian Hindu

Religion

22.759.118.20.0

51340

0.027.322.750.0

065

11

20-30 31-40 41-50 51-60

Age

22.759.12 Single

77.31790.920 MarriedMarital

86.41954.512 Malay

9.1218.24 Indian

4.5127.36 ChineseEthnicity

50.050.0

1111

50.050.0

1111

Male Female

Gender

PercentFrequencyPercentFrequency

Organization B (Large national conglomerate)

Organization A(Teaching Hospital)

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Find ingsWomen on Success • Common thread - Success is a woman’s ability to play all her roles effectively and her ability to contribute to other’s well-being.

• 5 core themes emerged from the data: Happy family & marriage, Job satisfaction, Have to work harder then men, Wearing Masks, Spirituality and Work Ethics.

• Umbrella concept used ‘Well-Being of Self, Marriage, and Family’. As it is able to capture the essence of all the themes that was identified from the data set.

Definition of ‘Well-Being’ covers all aspects of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well–being of an individual.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Find ings Themes and Concept (22 Female Respondents)

Themes Concept

1 Well being of Self / Family /Marriage

Well Being

2 Spirituality / Ethical Values

3 Job Satisfaction

4 Contribution to others/ Society

5 Perceptions evolve with life experiences

6 Flexible work structure and hours

7 Recognition and respect

8 Wearing masks

9 Politicking / Public Relations

10 Have to work harder than men

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Well-being of self, family & others

Happy family and marriage

Job Satisfaction

Have to work harder

than men

Wearing masks

Spirituality / Ethics

Successful children

Good marriage

Flexible work

structure and hours

Positive public

relation politicking

Perception evolve with

age

Contribution to others /

society

Recognition and respect from others

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Find ingsMen on Success

• common thread - “Achievement”:- achieving position and status, financial security, ability to balance religious obligations with their other personal and professional responsibilities, gaining respect from others, contributing to society and maintaining their family to a good standard of living.

• Each theme had at its core, the element of “Achievement” however there were differences to the type of achievement that was linked to the concept of success

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Find ings Themes and Concept (22 Male Respondents)

ThemesConcept

1 Decision Making Role

Achievement

2 Financial security/ Material wealth

3 Spirituality/Religious obligations

4 Role model for family/ community

5 Respect from others

6 Well being of self / family

7 Perceptions evolve due to life experiences

8 Contributing to society

9 Achieving goals

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Achievement

Financial Security

Perception evolve with

age

Material Wealth

Spirituality

Well being self & family

Decision Making Role

Role model for

Family & society

ContributingTo Society

Respect Achieving Goals

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Find ings• Based on the first research question “What is your definition of success for yourself?”, analysis of the data thus far has generated 5 common elements of success identified by both male and female respondents.

1. Well-being of self and family, 2. spirituality, 3. contribution to society,4. perception evolve due to life experiences, 5. recognition and respect.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Find ings• Respondents used the word “happy” to define success. However defining the concept of “happy” was a problem for most.

•They linked “happy” with the ability “to do what you want, when you want”, “the ability to have choices or options.”

•This in the end boils down to having the financial means to have the choices. Which implies you would have to work and earn enough money in order to create future choices for yourself.

•Until then, the individual views work as a means to an end only. Work enjoyment or satisfaction will have to be put on hold until financial stability has been reached.

Happiness

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Find ingsHappiness• Female respondents: ensuring children and respective spouse felt that they were being loved and cared for.

•“Happiness of self” was from the aspect of being able to feel that one has successfully played the role of mother, wife and employee.

• Male respondents: “happiness of family and spouse” was focused more on providing the material needs of daily life such as a nice safe home, good education and paying for the providers of household services (maid, child care, schools, gardener, drivers, etc.), and able to provide entertainment and holidays.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Find ingsHappiness• Males ensure- children were being cared for in the best way, the Asian mentality of mothers, being the main person responsible for managing the family and bringing up the children, cuts across all ethnicity in Malaysia.

• No mention of their need to be involved in their children’s early years of development.

• It was the family’s financial security and physical safety and comfort that were of paramount importance and if it was provided this was one of the symbols of a successful man.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsHappiness

•Male respondents did not focus on the ability to have options as an important element of success.

•Instead they focused on doing well in their careers. “A steady climb up the corporate ladder” as one male respondent put it is an important marker of personal success.

•Achieving success is having recognition and respect from not just those that work with you but from others outside of the organisation is also important.

“Being recognized for what I have done in my field. To be respected by your community and viewed as a role model is a sign of success” (Male Respondent 3/ Org. B)

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsSpirituality

• One common element found was spirituality. It was an important factor that influences thinking about success regardless of ethnicity.

•Respondents found balancing religious demands with work demands and family responsibilities to be the main issue they were grappling with.

“For me personally, success means that I am successful in my career, in handling my family of course, and spiritual wise as well. But that is the most difficult thing to do. How do we juggle all the three aspects together? It is a challenge.” (Female Respondent 1/ Org. B)

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsSpirituality

• Women using their religious beliefs as a buffer for handling the denial of a reward in the work place, thereby cushioning the disappointment and their inability to over come the discrimination and unfairness in the workplace.

• Protecting self-esteem and sense of ‘Self Well-being’. Even though the organizational policies are suppose to be gender neutral, the implementation of the policies are not.

•Religion is a moderator in highly stressful situations as it provides the individual with a tool as part of their coping strategy (Noraini, 1999; Williams, Larson, Buckler, Heckmann, & Pyle, 1991).

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Find ingsSpirituality

• The inability of the women in this study to control the reward system in their work environment does seem to fit into this category

• Perhaps the reasons why women focus their definition of success on aspects outside of the realm of work and careers.

•Focusing on their efforts at the home front, an arena where they have more control over the factors that influence or determine their success.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Find ingsSpirituality

•For the male respondents, as a majority of the respondents were Muslims the main focus was on fulfilling their obligations as a good Muslim father, husband, son, employee and thereby able to play the role of leader of the family and the community effectively.

•This would then result in a good public image, which will then lead to respect from others.

•This may explain the over whelming need of the male respondents to be respected by others and to be a role model as an essential aspect of their definition of success for themselves.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsContribution to Society

• Female respondents states that position and high pay was not the main aim.

• A high position would enable you to help others or influence the decisions in the organisation to help others or the society at large. It was means to an end and not an end in itself.

• What was more important was that their work was satisfying and they were able to contribute to society through their work

These elements were not mentioned by the male respondents.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsRecognition & Respect

• Recognition by others was seen as very important among the male respondents.

• As it gives the individual the public seal of approval. Being a role model is the community’s indication that you are seen as successful and thus respected.

“As a leader in your community. You know others can see you as an example in the community” (Male Respondent 3/ Org. B).

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsRecognition & Respect

•The usual trappings of career success were very important for the male respondents in order to create the image of success and from there to become a role model for others.

•As mentioned earlier “gaining respect from others” was rated as one of the most important aspect of success for oneself. Regular promotions and pay rises are seen as essential targets to be achieved, when defining the concept of success.

•Fulfilling religious obligations was cited as important but it is linked to projecting the right image to the public and to become a role model for their children and others. This is linked to the need to be a role model in the community and for the family.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsLife Experiences & Perception of Success• A life changing experience and life experiences have a major impact on how individuals define success.

• “Workers at different life stages have different skills, different responsibilities, different resources, different opportunities, and different prospects for the future. Thus it is expected for them to have different perceptions of success”. (Asplund, 1988; Catherine Marshall, 1985; Phyllis Moen, 2003; Sturges, 1999).

•The perception of success changed from one that focused on materialism and social status to a definition of success that focused on internal happiness, personal growth and development.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsLife Experiences & Perception of Success

“When I first started work, work was very important to me. My identity is related to my work, now I’m fifty three, to me I find that it is not that important anymore. I do not want to be at the top anymore.” (Female Respondent 1/Org.A)

“I am at a different time in my life and that influences me too. If you had met me ten years ago my answers would have been different. I was focus on money then as that was the main goal.” (Male Respondent 20/ Org. B)

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsThe Essence of a Successful Woman

•Respondents found it relatively easy to describe the attributes of a successful man but difficult to describe a ‘successful woman’.

• Over 60% of the total respondents tended to provide only male examples when asked to name three or more persons that they consider to be successful.

• Individuals regularly cited as being successful people are, Tun Mahathir, Nelson Mandela, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar, and their own fathers.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


• The male examples given were characterized as role models, selfless, tough, passionate in their work, willing to sacrifice self, emotionally and mentally strong, have power of influence, and respected by others.

•Material wealth, good education, an impressive job title and vast responsibilities were the main elements of the description.

• However no mention was made about how these men rated in playing their roles as husbands, sons or fathers.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


• Only a handful of the 44 respondents were able to provide names of public female figures or females they knew of personally that they considered as successful individuals.

• Regardless of gender or ethnicity, success for a woman was primarily based on how well she plays the role of wife, daughter and mother, and if she works, the role of employee or superior.

•She has to be seen as effective in all these roles and only then she is seen as successful. Her standing in the community is also judged.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


• For a man, if he has a successful career he is already seen as successful. Since a successful career is linked with the role of being a good provider for the family, this in turn makes the man a good role model for the community.

“We (society) unconsciously focus on the external role of the man. His contribution to society. Women, we focus on their internal contribution.” (Male Respondent 12/ Org. B)

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


•A female example frequently given was Datin Seri Wan Azizah- reasons:her ability to play the role of a good Muslim woman, she was loyal to her husband and stood by his side, able to look after her children well and she consistently maintained a dignified public persona, during her husband’s imprisonment.

•Her professional qualification as an Opthalmologist and being a respected politician in her own right was not mentioned as her reasons for being seen as successful

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


•Regardless of gender or ethnicity, the traditional sex roles of the female as wife and mother is still seen as the most important role a woman plays.

•All other roles are subservient to it and are modified accordingly. This supports Bets and Fitzgerald’s (1987) observation that whereas “marital status has little bearing on men’s career development, it is an important variable influencing the career development of women”.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


•Based on past studies, the male characteristics of success such as power, material wealth, status in the organisation and authority are how men view the concept of success.

•Thus far, data from this study is showing that material wealth is not reflective of all the male respondents in this study. This is not to say that material wealth is not important for the male respondents, but it is tempered with the need for a stable family life, happy and successful children and a happy self.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


•This change may have occurred as women are now entering the work force and holding senior positions and/or have the opportunities to earn as much or even more then their male counterparts, thus releasing their male partner from having the total responsibility of sole bread winner.

•This in turn, allows men to focus their energy on other more personal, emotional, and spiritual needs and not just on achievement of financial stability.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


• However as mentioned earlier the societal expectations of how men and women should behave does influence the daily interactions of the organisation’s members.

“Women are expected to be more submissive. For women who have leadership talents or one holding leadership posts, they need to be extra tactful and diplomatic to be able to get around the egos and the pride.” (Male Respondent 15/ Org. A)

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsMen & Women in Organisations

“Easier to give men instructions and if you need them to do extra time, that is also easy.” (Male Respondent 6/ Org. A)

“Men are good at taking opportunities. They will find ways and means to get as much benefits as they can.” (Female Respondent 8/ Org. B)

Overall respondents agreed that women do work harder, are more meticulous, and careful in their work.

“Males tend to work less but they want the most. The females will slog like mad and have to show three times more effort to become successful.” (Female Respondent 5/ Org. B)

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


• One argument could be that, women work harder but not smarter. Women do not have the skills to market themselves or establish good networks in order to be noticed - ‘To be seen at the right place at the right time.’

• Kelly, Germaine, and Horn (1991), “Women tend to pay more attention to details while men focus on the larger picture”.

• Women are said not to strategize their career proactively, they do not plan.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


“Men are driven into getting the job done and not worry so much of people’s personal reaction to them. Women tend to worry about people’s opinion about them and how people perceived them. While men just do it and be happy about it.” (Male Respondent 2/ Org. B)

“Women think it is very important to get on with the people they work with.” (Female Respondent 14/ Org. A)

Created an image of women as being indecisive and weak or just plain slow, thus they are not seen as a potential leader or manager.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


“In my experience it is generally easier to manage men. Because they are more flexible, they do not worry about what other people think about them quite so much.” (Male Respondent 3/ Org. B)

“Among the young women, there can be a hot bed of intrigue and all sorts of things going on. There can be undercurrents. It doesn’t happen with men.” (Male Respondent 15/ Org. A)

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


•Focus is on how hard working the women are, how they are easier to manage and how women do not deviate from instructions nor do they question instructions.

•Women are thus viewed as good, loyal employees and followers but there was no mention of them having the potential to be leaders.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsMen & Women in Organisations• Women general have to work or perceived to work at least twice as hard as men before they can be considered as successful as men.

• Source of this perception: Organizations are run by men and that the traditional notion that women are not as good as men still holds.

• Generally male managers in the sample agreed that it was easier to deal with male employees as they did not have to deal with the emotional side of things, and no need to consider family needs when requesting for extra time at work.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


• Emotions the major stumbling block for women in the work place; taking too long to make decisions, needing people to like them, bringing to work personal problems, being too sensitive and trying to get a consensus before implementing a decision.

•One of the main factors or barriers why women may not be flying high at work, “their energy was spread too thin.”

• With the added responsibilities of family on their shoulders, women have to spread energy in both work and family spheres.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

FindingsWearing Masks

• The need to keep roles separate and not impinging on one another was a great concern for these women, as each role had its own set of acceptable behaviours and communication style. Must adjust their persona in order to fit in with the social expectations of a particular role.

• Women in leadership positions had to be careful in how they played the role of ‘Boss’ in the office. Stereotyping: -highly emotional, sensitive to criticisms, fussy, likes nit picking, overly controlling, does not trust subordinates, likes to micro manage, fanatical, and tends to go by the letter of the law.

• Very apparent at research site A (teaching hospital). Having to conform to the social expectations and in some cases had to re-learn new social behaviours and dress codes while in the locality.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


• For women who were not in a supervisory or leadership capacity, there is a more subtle need for role adjsutment but there are overlapping behaviours that spills over from work to home or vice versa.

• While at work they can still play the subservient or less aggressive role a nurturing role, which is very similar to their role outside of the work arena.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings


• Having to constantly modify one’s behaviour depending on the social situation, may create what is known as role overload or role strain.

• The women did not discuss the negative aspects of this, as it was treated as a normal occurrence and managed on a daily basis.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Conclusions

Conclusions•It is noted that the findings only reflected the opinions of a group of 44 Malaysians from two specific organisations. Nevertheless, findings from this study could still be used to provide some insights into how Malaysians perceive success and how they defined a successful woman.

• The contemporary woman in Malaysia is constantly walking this balance of needing to meet the obligations of the cultural and religious based role of a woman and the demands and challenges of a dynamic work culture.

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Introduction


Research Question

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Conclusions

Conclusions

• Religion or spirituality, regardless of ethnicity, seems to be the main source of strength and motivation for these women to continue playing their roles effectively.

• Their religious values keeps their work ethic high and helps them define the work that they do as having either direct or indirect contribution to others or to the society in general.

• This element of spirituality have not been cited as having such a strong influence on women’s behaviour or perceptions in previous studies (Chusmir & Parker, 2001; Jensen & Towle, 1991b; Sturges, 1999).

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Bio Index Card [BIC]

• Bio-data of Respondents• Please fill this bio data form and return it to the interviewer immediately.• Age 20-30 31-40 41-50 51-60.• Marital status Single Married Divorced• Number of children • Number of children age: Below 6 7- 10 11-16 17-20 21+• Position/post • Number of years in this organization • Total number of years you have worked • Ethnicity Malay Chinese Indian Others• Gender Male Female• Highest academic / professional qualification • Note: All information will be kept confidential and will only be used for research analysis purposes• Have you lived or studied overseas? Yes No

– If YES, list the country/countries and length of stay:• Year(s) • Year(s) • Year(s) • Year(s) • Note: All information will be kept confidential and will only be used for research analysis purposes

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List of Core Interview QuestionsPart AThe word success can mean different things to different people and it could cover a variety of aspects of life. Can you tell me your understanding of the word success?

Usually we have a certain picture in our mind when we imagine a successful person; what do you see when you picture a successful person in your mind?

Can you name 3 or 5 persons that you think fits your criteria of success

Do you think that the definition of success changes or is different for women? How and why?

Part BHow has your work or life experiences influenced your perception of success?

What about your family or your parents ideas on what constitutes a successful person, how has that influenced you?

What other factors do you think may have influenced the way you view the concept of success?

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Part CWhat do you need to be/do to be successful in your organization?

Do men and women need to do different things in order to be successful in your organization?

Part DHow does this affect your motivation to be successful in this organization?

In what way has this organization’s definition of success influenced your attitude towards your career development and success in general?

Where do you see women do better then men in the workplace?

Part EHow does your expectations for each of your child differ from one another?

Maybe if we look at instances in your career, where you can describe to me, one incident or instances where you felt or someone else told you that you were successful or good at?

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End

Author:Phone:Mobile:Email:

Adida Yang Amri(6)04 653 2898(6)017 619 [email protected]

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7/14/2015aya qram 071 ms. adida yang amri [email protected]@usm.my associate professor zainal...

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