Quality of work life of Emirati women and its influence on job satisfaction and turnover intention: Evidence from the UAE

Fauzia Jabeen, Heather Lynn Friesen, Kilani Ghoudi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to examine the quality of work life (QoWL) and its influence on job satisfaction and turnover (job-leaving) intention of Emirati women employed in various public sector organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through a structured questionnaire gleaned from literature, and were analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings: QoWL was found to have a significant relationship with all variables in the model, and was found, as hypothesized, to have a positive effect on job satisfaction and a negative effect on turnover intention. Research limitations/implications: One of the main limitations of this study is that the sample is drawn from only Emirati female employees who were working in public organizations based in the Abu Dhabi region, the capital of UAE, and hence, cannot be generalized. Practical implications: This study helps policy makers by identifying crucial points that can improve Emirati female employees’ QoWL with a commensurate reduction in turnover intention in a collectivistic society. Public sector organizations should address the factors that directly affect Emirati women’s QoWL and job satisfaction, as it will ultimately result in less staff turnover, greater productivity, and will also support the localization strategy. Originality/value: The study is one of the first enquiries which stresses the importance of understanding how Emirati female employees perceive and categorize themselves as a valuable element of the workplace alongside the significance of augmenting their sense of belongingness to their organization.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)352-370
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Organizational Change Management
Volume31
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Emirati women
  • Job satisfaction
  • Public Sector
  • Quality of work life (QoWL)
  • Structural equation modelling (SEM)
  • Turnover Intention
  • United Arab Emirates

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Decision Sciences
  • Strategy and Management
  • Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
  • Management of Technology and Innovation

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