Balancing the Scales

Work, Life and Study Challenges for Female Executives in Emerging Contexts

Bibliographic Data

ID4388637
AuthorsMahi Uddin (0000-0003-1187-2624, Department of Business Administration International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC) Chittagong Bangladesh, corresponding author), Nazamul Hoque (0000-0002-8270-1526, Department of Business Administration International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC) Chittagong Bangladesh)
Year2025
Volume76
Issue260
Pages355-377
Publication date2025-08-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Social Science Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0020-8701 • E-ISSN: 1468-2451
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/issj.70006
OpenAlexW4413302587
LanguageEN
References cited58

This study explores the unique challenges and strategies faced by female executives in Bangladesh who are balancing their professional responsibilities with pursuing higher education. In emerging economies, where gendered societal norms are pronounced, the overlap of personal, professional and academic roles presents significant work-life balance (WLB) challenges. Through semi-structured interviews with 21 female executives, the study reveals key issues such as time constraints, lack of social support and gendered expectations that exacerbate the difficulties of managing these multiple roles. The introduction of the student role-the third role, which demands intensive cognitive and emotional labour-is identified as a crucial factor that disrupts WLB. Unlike work or family duties, which may follow more predictable patterns, studying requires flexibility that can lead to role spillover and tip the balance women already juggling professional and personal roles, where academic responsibilities encroach on personal and professional time, increasing stress and blurring boundaries. The study also highlights strategies that these women employ to manage their roles effectively, including fostering flexibility, seeking mentorship and advocating for supportive organizational policies. Findings contribute to the growing WLB literature by introducing the student role as a critical dimension, offering a more comprehensive understanding of how gendered expectations and academic pursuits impact women's leadership experiences. Practical recommendations for organizations, policymakers and educational institutions are provided, aimed at better supporting female executives in managing their diverse roles. This research underscores the need for more institutional recognition of the student role and the development of targeted support systems to promote sustainable work-life-study balance

Demographic economics · Economics · Geography · Political science · Public relations · Scale (ratio) · Sociology · Work (physics) · Engineering · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior · Psychology · Work-Family Balance Challenges

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