Suchergebnisse

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a research methodology that was used to identify dominant socio‐cultural discourse using a feminist post‐structural lens.Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature‐based study focusing on research methodology and theoretical frameworks, the conduct of an ethnographic case study is described in detail. A discussion of the reporting and analysis of the data is also included.FindingsThe study indicates that using an ethnographic case study approach is a very effective tool for identifying dominant socio‐cultural discourses. This in turn can lead to greater emancipation for women through discourse analysis and re‐positioning.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents a focused literature study and contains a description of an effective research methodology for specific purposes. It may be of use to others interested in conducting similar types of research.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that using unstructured interviews and a narrative reporting technique is a valuable way to collect data about socio‐cultural discourses in an Arabic context. The importance of the position, power, and reflexivity of the interviewer is also explored. In addition, the study suggests that successful feminist movements should be gradual and should take into account societal discourses to allow women to gain emancipatory action through re‐positioning themselves within their societal discourses.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the few attempting to describe an ethnographic case study approach with a feminist, post‐structuralist view in an Arab context.

PurposeThe paper's objective is to explore how the concepts of feminism can be applied in an Arab context to help the emancipation of women.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a literature based study that evaluates what form of feminism best fits the Arab context. This gives rise to a suggestion of how Arab women can navigate feminist ideals within their cultural discourses.FindingsThe study indicates that it is possible for Arab women to create sustainable emancipatory movement by gradually challenging patriarchal discourses while still maintaining a connection to key societal norms.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents a focused literature study and contains limited first hand accounts of Emirate females. It does, however, provide the basis for obtaining more in‐depth first hand accounts in future studies.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that Islamic principles must be considered in any discussion of feminism in an Arab context. In addition, the study acknowledges that successful feminist movements should be gradual and should take into account societal discourses to allow women to gain emancipatory action while not becoming alienated from their society. The study notes the importance of the sharing of experiences as a catalyst for change.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the few attempting to discuss the application of feminist concepts in an Arabic context.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the reasons why the employment of Emirati females in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not currently realizing its potential.Design/methodology/approachA literature‐based study that employs a framework adapted to predict the incidence of the employment of female nationals in the UAE. This gives rise to an analysis of reasons why this employment is not achieving the predicted level.FindingsThe study indicates that cultural factors are largely responsible for inhibiting the level of employment of Emirati females in the UAE.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents a focused literature study and does not contain the first‐hand accounts of Emirati females both employed and not employed. It does, however, provide the basis for obtaining such first‐hand accounts in future studies.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that in a rapidly developing economy such as that of the UAE, cultural mores may take some time to catch up with the speed of economic development. Government leaders need to be aware of the need for cultural adaptation to take place before their plans for development can be fully realized using nationals as the driving force for these plans.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the few attempting to assess the effects of culture of the incidence of employment of female nationals in the UAE.

PurposeIn today's world, entrepreneurship is seen as the vital source for economic growth and education is a vital component in the creation and development of entrepreneurial attitudes. It is, therefore, natural to consider students as the primary resource of future entrepreneurs. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to carry out an empirical research amongst females in their first year of business studies in Dubai, providing a descriptive analysis of students' entrepreneurial intentions.Design/methodology/approachA primary survey amongst female first‐year business studies students in Dubai was conducted. A five‐point Likert scale was used for each question and mean scores were generated from the ranks.FindingsThe results show that the young female students in Dubai are positive regarding the role that universities can play in fostering their interest towards entrepreneurship, both for their education and the incubator for their new venture.Practical implicationsSignificant scope for promotion of entrepreneurship in the education system in the United Arab Emirates is found. Emirati females students showed a high inclination to become entrepreneurs provided they underwent a specialized entrepreneurial Business Program. More attention is required by policy makers and higher education authorities to foster "hands‐on" entrepreneurship as a part of business studies program.Originality/valueBoth academia and practitioners have increased their efforts in promoting entrepreneurial mindset within the society. However, only a few studies have investigated entrepreneurial attitudes amongst students; even fewer have considered entrepreneurial intentions of females and no studies have been conducted in the Middle East. This paper fills this gap.