Career success of women managers in the Thailand petroleum industry Dr. Ubonwan Rawd-iam 15 th April 2009

Introduction Woman are underutilized in organization Common themes centred around the underrepresentation of women in management Gender bias and discrimination

Research questions What are the factors influencing career success of women managers? What are key barriers to career success of women managers in the Thailand petroleum industry? How have women managers overcome barriers to advancement in their career?

Literature review In England, the percentage of women executives and senior managers much smaller at 2 percent (David& Cooper,1993) In the U.S., Women obtained 5.1 percent of executive management positions in the 500 largest U.S. companies In Singapore, more men than women in professional and managerial positions (ILO 1995)

Women in the Petroleum industry Less technical knowledge in petroleum operation Working in the support function No women lead the top ranks of major oil company

Framework: Career success model of women managers in the Thailand petroleum industry

Research gap/ Aim of the research No research studies exploring this topic, particularly in the Thailand petroleum industry Aim of the research: To help women managers advance in their career

Methodology Qualitative research : In depth interview Building a model of determinants of women managers’ career success in the Thailand petroleum industry. Validation of the model by 12 senior executives and two academicians in the university

Sample selection Criteria - Mid level and senior level women and male managers in executive position - Making significant contributions to the organizations Interview - Taped, transcribed and coded.

Findings Factors influencing career success..... individual factors ; education, knowledge, skill, experience, commitment, family support, organization support, leadership style and network

Finding(CON’T) The barriers...are culture, industrial requirements, and work/family balance. Factors enhancing advancement... competency improvement and locus of control.

Male& Female managers interview “Women managers have to improve themselves continuously to be competent.” “As a female leader, I find that it’s easier to lead female subordinates. It’s difficult for female leaders to lead male subordinates.”

Conclusions Conclusions: 14 executives found the model very solid and efficient Acquiring new knowledge would help respond to new changes in the petroleum industry

Recommendations: Organization...Provide mentors to share challenges with their work Leadership... Promote leadership, allow opportunities to participate in professional decision making activities. Human resources policy planner... broader career path and enhance their professional development

Limitation This study covered only 5 petroleum companies and assumed that the results may be generalized to the larger population in various petroleum companies

Suggestions for further research - Study on male managers and working relationships with female managers in specific Petroleum companies.