An exploratory study on career models and mechanisms of career advancement of Emirati women managers

PurposeThis study uses a Kaleidoscope Career (KC) approach to explore how UAE women managers experience their careers, the advancement in management and the career models they encounter.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs an interpretative phenomenological approach to analyse in-depth face-to-face interviews with 22 Emirati women in middle and senior management positions across various industries in both the public and private sectors.FindingsThis research is significant in uncovering career advancement mechanisms and three career models: "my life is not elsewhere," "seizing opportunities" and "wholehearted dedication to the country." These models highlight women managers' pivotal role in UAE's economic development.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is confined to a convenience sample of women managers from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. While not fully representative of all local women, the findings on career advancement mechanisms and Emirati women managers' non-traditional career paths hold theoretical significance. The results challenge the uncritical adoption of Western career models, highlighting the need to consider alternative career models and advancement mechanisms.Practical implicationsThis research expands the authors' knowledge of career advancement mechanisms and models experienced by Emirati women, offering insights for enhancing gender equality in Arab world managerial roles.Originality/valueThese findings open new research avenues to explore Emirati women's careers beyond the largest Emirates and assess their broader economic and societal contributions.