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Abstract

The paradox of Indian women’s declining presence in the labor market despite their advancements in higher education leads to questions regarding how this “leaky pipeline” can be patched and (partly) prevented. At the same time, female educational advancement in Western countries, such as Germany, does not equate to significantly more females in leadership positions or changes in gender role expectations. In both the Indian and German contextual setting, women face hurdles in developing their career and the risk of lifelong dependency or poverty.

This paper clarifies the perspectives of young females on leadership careers and success before they enter the labor market and uses the results from career research to show “blind spots” that might lead to hurdles for their future careers. The second contribution of the paper is envisioning future teaching that (1) prevents females from making decisions that might lead to dependency and poverty while fulfilling organizational and societal gender role expectations and (2) fosters organizational changes that facilitates female careers. The Paper also reflects on the learning stages necessary for transforming theoretical knowledge into practical solutions and promoting more equal opportunities in the labor market.

Author Biography

Nicole Böhmer has been a Professor of Business Management and Human Resource Management at Osnabrueck University of Applied Sciences since 2006. Prior to that she worked in HRM in the banking sector for several years. She has a Diploma in economic sciences and in education, specializing in commerce economics, and a doctor degree in political sciences (Dr. rer. pol.) from Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Germany. Her current research focuses on International HRM, gender, talent management and career concepts.

Heike Schinnenburg is a Professor for Business Management and HRM at Osnabrueck University of Applied Sciences. Before her professorship she was an HR Director in a whole sale company and worked as consultant. Her academic background is a Diploma and doctor degree in economics with the focus on strategic HR Development. International HRM and Development, Talent Management and Change Management are her research topics.

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