Understanding work-life interface of Malay Muslim women academics: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

Ismail, Amelia (2018) Understanding work-life interface of Malay Muslim women academics: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Women academics in collectivist societies, despite their significant numbers, have been of little concern to researchers. While women’s involvement in education and employment opportunities has increased and their economic positions have improved, their role pertaining to domestic responsibilities and care for the family in such societies remains the same. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research is to describe the work-life interface as experienced by Malay Muslim women academics. This study also identifies the work environment factors that assist and/or hinder these academics in managing their work-life responsibilities as well as investigating the influence of culture and religion. Diary entries and in-depth telephone interviews with seven Malay Muslim women academics were employed to capture the essence of their daily work-life experiences. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as the research method, the findings of the study are presented under four themes: juggling multiple roles, sources of supports, impact of leadership style, and identity formation.

The participants in this research provided valuable insights based on their many years of experience as academics in higher education institutions besides their roles as mothers and wives. The Malay Muslim women academics’ work-life experiences appear to be complex and multifaceted. Negotiating between professional and personal roles has an impact on the careers of women academics, their personal and family lives, and their well-being. In managing their daily work-life responsibilities, an interplay exists between Islamic values and Malay traditional customs. The customary practices which are important in the functioning of the society as a whole contribute in shaping their identity as women, family members and academics. In addition, leadership style can have a significant impact on their work-life management. For these women, the lived reality is that being an academic means having never-ending tasks that sometimes require personal sacrifices which are achieved through the support of family and work colleagues as well as their personal belief systems.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Women academics, work-life balance, work-life interface, higher education, interpretative phenomenological analysis, qualitative, culture, collectivist, leadership, religious, Muslim, Malays, work environment, identity.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc; L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Professional Learning and Leadership
• Supervisor's Name: Dickson, Dr. Beth
• Date of Award: 2018
• Depositing User: Amelia Ismail
• Unique ID: glathesis:2018-38920
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 15 Nov 2018 16:35
• Last Modified: 16 Jan 2019 14:25
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/38920