Ms. Adida Yang Amri adida@usm.my Associate Professor Zainal Ariffin Ahmad zaba@usm.my

1. “How do men and women conceptualise the concept of Success?” A Preliminary Finding Ms. Adida Yang Amri adida@usm.my Associate Professor Zainal Ariffin Ahmad zaba@usm.my School of Management Universiti Sains Malaysia Aya QRAM 07

2. Research Questions • How do individuals define success for themselves? • How do individuals define a successful woman? Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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. Aya QRAM 07

3. Significance of Study Introduction Significance of Study Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology • 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. Aya QRAM 07

4. Significance of the Study Introduction Significance of Study Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Create a motivating & nurturing work environment Need to… How: By understanding how men and women define success for themselves Essential to fully utilize HR of M’sia to achieve 2020 goals Minimize work-family conflict minimize work-personal development conflicts Aya QRAM 07

5. Literature Review SuccessfulLife SuccessfulCareer 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). Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Studies were mainly quantitative, using surveys via pen and paper method or over the phone surveys. Aya QRAM 07

6. Literature Review work Society Family S U C C E S S Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology = As proposed by Miller (1986) the current male criteria for success should change to encompass women’s concept of success (Gallos, 1989; Gilligan, 1982). 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). Aya QRAM 07

7. Literature Review Gaps in the Literature Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology There 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. Aya QRAM 07

8. Methodology Research Sites Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology A 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. Aya QRAM 07

9. Methodology 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology 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. Aya QRAM 07

10. 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology 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 Aya QRAM 07

11. Methodology Analysis Processes Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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. Aya QRAM 07

12. Methodology 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Aya QRAM 07

13. Methodology Data analysis processes Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology • Based 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. Aya QRAM 07

14. Methodology 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Aya QRAM 07

15. Methodology Analysis Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Each 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. Aya QRAM 07

16. Methodology Organising Data Transcripts 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Aya QRAM 07

17. Methodology Instrument An interview protocol was developed consisting of five parts with core and probing questions (Appendix 1): Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology 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 Aya QRAM 07

18. Find ings Organization A (Teaching Hospital) Organization B (Large national conglomerate) Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Gender Male Female 11 11 50.0 50.0 11 11 50.0 50.0 Ethnicity Chinese 6 27.3 1 4.5 Indian 4 18.2 2 9.1 Malay 12 54.5 19 86.4 Marital Married 20 90.9 17 77.3 Single 2 9.1 5 22.7 Age 20-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 0 6 5 11 0.0 27.3 22.7 50.0 5 13 4 0 22.7 59.1 18.2 0.0 Religion Islam Buddhist Christian Hindu 12 6 0 4 54.5 27.3 0.0 18.2 19 1 0 2 86.4 4.5 0.0 9.1 Table 1. Profile of Respondents Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings Aya QRAM 07

19. Find ings Women on Success Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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. Aya QRAM 07

20. Find ings Themes and Concept (22 Female Respondents) Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings Aya QRAM 07

21. Well-being of self, family & others Happy family and marriage Job Satisfaction Have to work harder than men Wearing masks Spirituality / Ethics Positive public relation politicking Successful children Flexible work structure and hours Perception evolve with age Good marriage Recognition and respect from others Contribution to others / society Aya QRAM 07

22. Find ings Men on Success Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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 Aya QRAM 07

23. Find ings Themes and Concept (22 Male Respondents) Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings Aya QRAM 07

24. Achievement Financial Security Perception evolve with age Material Wealth Spirituality Decision Making Role Achieving Goals Respect Role model for Family & society Contributing To Society Well being self & family Aya QRAM 07

25. 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • Well-being of self and family, • spirituality, • contribution to society, • perception evolve due to life experiences, • recognition and respect. Aya QRAM 07

26. Find ings Happiness • 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings Aya QRAM 07

27. Find ings Happiness • 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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. Aya QRAM 07

28. Find ings Happiness Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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. Aya QRAM 07

29. Findings Happiness • 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings “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) Aya QRAM 07

30. Findings Spirituality • 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings “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) Aya QRAM 07

31. Findings Spirituality Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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). Aya QRAM 07

32. Find ings Spirituality Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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. Aya QRAM 07

33. Find ings Spirituality Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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. Aya QRAM 07

34. Findings Contribution to Society Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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. Aya QRAM 07

35. Findings Recognition & Respect Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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). Aya QRAM 07

36. Findings Recognition & 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. Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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. Aya QRAM 07

37. Findings Life Experiences & Perception of Success Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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. Aya QRAM 07

38. Findings Life Experiences & Perception of Success Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings “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) Aya QRAM 07

39. Findings The Essence of a Successful Woman Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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. Aya QRAM 07

40. Findings The Essence of a Successful Woman Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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. Aya QRAM 07

41. Findings The Essence of a Successful Woman Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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. Aya QRAM 07

42. Findings The Essence of a Successful Woman Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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) Aya QRAM 07

43. Findings The Essence of a Successful Woman Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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 Aya QRAM 07

44. Findings The Essence of a Successful Woman Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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”. Aya QRAM 07

45. Findings The Essence of a Successful Woman Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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. Aya QRAM 07

46. Findings The Essence of a Successful Woman Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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. Aya QRAM 07

47. Findings The Essence of a Successful Woman Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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) Aya QRAM 07

48. Findings Men & Women in Organisations Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings “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) “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) Overall respondents agreed that women do work harder, are more meticulous, and careful in their work. Aya QRAM 07

49. Findings Men & Women in Organisations • 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.’ Introduction Theoretical Foundation Research Question Literature Review Methodology Findings • 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. Aya QRAM 07

50. Findings Men & Women in Organisations Introduction Theoretical Foundation 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. Aya QRAM 07