Organizational support as a mediator of leadership training transfer for women managers acrosscultural contexts

What is it about?

This research examines how workplace support helps women managers successfully apply leadership training across different cultural settings. We compared two distinct environments: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), known for its hierarchical workplace structures, and the United States (U.S.), where individualism and independence are more prominent. We Discovered: Support Overcomes Cultural Barriers: While cultural differences exist, strong organizational support from supervisors and peers proved more influential than national culture in helping women implement their training. Support systems accounted for 39-45% more success in applying leadership skills compared to cultural factors alone. Different Support for Different Cultures: In the UAE's hierarchical workplaces, supervisor backing was crucial—it reduced cultural barriers by 64% by giving women managers the authority to apply new skills. In the U.S., peer networks were key, creating safe spaces where women could practice leadership skills without fear of bias. Organizations Can Reshape Workplace Culture: Companies aren't limited by cultural norms. By implementing targeted support like mentorship programs and peer groups, they can create environments where women leaders thrive. Why This Matters for Professionals: For HR and Training Teams: Focus on building the right type of support—supervisor endorsement in hierarchical cultures and peer networks in individualistic ones—rather than just cultural awareness training. For Women Leaders: Seek organizations that provide these support structures, as they significantly increase your ability to apply leadership training effectively. For Global Companies: These findings offer a blueprint for developing female leadership talent across diverse cultural contexts.

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