Work-Life Juggle! Insights into the Experiences of Indian Information Technology (IT) Women Who Undertook International Assignments

Abstract

Increased flexibility has enabled highly skilled, aspirational, Indian women to undertake international assignments in the demanding IT sector. While previous research has focused on barriers to success faced by expatriate women, including lack of motivation, organisational and family support and host nationals’ attitudes, the current qualitative study explored holistic experiences of 23 Indian IT women repatriates, including the salience of their various role identities. Our study noted that although most women lacked support from their organisations and in some instances from families, their motivation and the need for independence facilitated their assignment positively. While their decisions were based on factors including social support networks, and assignment length, some women were conscious of challenging traditional norms of Indian society in relation to women and work.