Journal Article

Saudi women’s leadership experiences in the healthcare sector: A qualitative study

Al-Ghuraibi, Muna, Alabbasi, Yasmine, Elgamri, Alya, Al Mutair, Abbas, Alguthaib, Fatimah, Woodman, Alexander

2023

Overview

Gender equality in the workforce and the promotion of woman leadership is critical to economic growth and the sustainable development of society and the global community. However, gender diversity in leadership positions is a concern as women continue to be underrepresented. Ensuring equal opportunities in leadership positions in the health sector can help advance the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The aim of this study was to explore Saudi women's perspectives and leadership experiences at senior-level positions in the healthcare sector. A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted to address the study aim. This included nine semi-structured interviews with Saudi women who have held leadership positions in the health sector over the past ten years. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted by adopting the six phases. The results showed that internal factors, such as qualifications, experience, and the innate qualities of a winner, are the most important factors that contribute to women's leadership. Women's role expectations, gender norms, and the patriarchal nature of the community have a negative impact on women's leadership. One of the new findings of this study was negative attitudes and lack of support from female colleagues. Women leaders in health care in Saudi Arabia share similarities and differences with women leaders around the world. However, the Saudi community has its own social norms and gender roles that cannot be denied. While Vision 2030 brought a number of positive changes in women's empowerment that participants spoke of, more research is needed to explore men's perceptions, which can complete the picture and lead to organizational improvement and changes.

• Publisher: Public Library of Science,Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subject: Attitudes / Change agents / Community / Credibility / Data collection / Demographic aspects / Domestic violence / Economic development / Economic growth / Empowerment / Equal opportunities / Equal opportunity / Female roles / Gender / Gender differences / Gender equity / Gender inequality / Gender roles / Global health / Health care / Health care industry / Health care policy / Health promotion / Health services / Informed consent / Interviews / Laws, regulations and rules / Leadership / Management / Medical research / Medicine and Health Sciences / Multiculturalism & pluralism / Norms / Nursing / Organizational change / People and places / Qualifications / Qualitative research / Research and Analysis Methods / Sex discrimination / Social norms / Social Sciences / Sustainability / Sustainable development / Women / Women's rights / Workforce