Open AccessExploring Women's Work Decision in Malaysia
Author(s) -
Peck Leong Tan,
Ruzita Baah,
Geetha Subramaniam,
Hadijah Iberahim
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
social and management research journal/social and management research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 0128-1089
pISSN - 1675-7017
DOI - 10.24191/smrj.v12i2.5046
Subject(s) - work (physics) , workforce , higher education , work force , human capital , psychology , public relations , business , political science , economic growth , economics , engineering , mechanical engineering
Over the years, the educational level of Malaysian women has increased tremendously with more women than men in the tertiary institutions. Nevertheless, investment in female human capital has not been translated into more women in the workforce. Therefore this study aims to explore the work decision of Malaysian women. Results from the survey of 553 women reveal that nearly all women expressed that they are willing to work after completing their tertiary education but they feel that support and influence from families are the most important deciding factors in influencing women’s decision to work. Furthermore, economic and social differences also play vital roles in women’s work decision. Women from poorer families and with lower educational background tend to focus on their financial needs as priority in their work decision. On the other hand, women with higher educational background and who come from richer families tend to choose jobs that will allow them to achieve their goals and also bring great self satisfaction. Therefore, various strategies targeting different women need to be done to increase the labour force participation of Malaysian women. Keywords: Work Decision, Women Work, Female Labour Force Participation