Quality of work life of Emirati women and its influence on job satisfaction and turnover intention: Evidence from the UAE

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to examine the quality of work life (QoWL) and its influence on job satisfaction and turnover (job-leaving) intention of Emirati women employed in various public sector organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a structured questionnaire gleaned from literature, and were analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings QoWL was found to have a significant relationship with all variables in the model, and was found, as hypothesized, to have a positive effect on job satisfaction and a negative effect on turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications One of the main limitations of this study is that the sample is drawn from only Emirati female employees who were working in public organizations based in the Abu Dhabi region, the capital of UAE, and hence, cannot be generalized.

Practical implications This study helps policy makers by identifying crucial points that can improve Emirati female employees’ QoWL with a commensurate reduction in turnover intention in a collectivistic society. Public sector organizations should address the factors that directly affect Emirati women’s QoWL and job satisfaction, as it will ultimately result in less staff turnover, greater productivity, and will also support the localization strategy.

Originality/value The study is one of the first enquiries which stresses the importance of understanding how Emirati female employees perceive and categorize themselves as a valuable element of the workplace alongside the significance of augmenting their sense of belongingness to their organization.