WOMEN, WORKPLACE HARASSMENT AND WORK ETHIC: CONTEXTUALIZING EMOTIONAL HARASSMENT OF PAKISTANI FEMALE EMPLOYEES AND SOLUTION FROM ISLAMIC WORK ETHIC MODEL

Abstract

Purpose – Purpose of this research is to examine issues, challenges and threats associated with female employees' experiences at context of a developing country like Pakistan. Specifically, this study analyzes narratives of the female employees to better understand nature of discrimination and harassment they face on workplace, and coping strategies of Islamic Work Ethics Model as solution. Design/methodology/approach -Methodology of the research based on both qualitative and descriptive approaches – In first part of the research some qualitative interviews with Muslim female employees in different organizations includes,  factories, school, colleges, universities, security agencies and private banks in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, the paper explores the nature and extent of contextual emotional labor associated with these women and their choices, issues and challenges while working with male dominance. In second part Islamic Work Ethic Model has been presented as solution to ensure the integrity and respect of female employees working all sectors and levels in Pakistan. Findings – The study integrate and contextualize the Islamic Work Ethics as solution to address emotional, psychological, social and moral issues of Pakistani Muslim female employees and may resolve ongoing tension between the display rules of the workplace and Islamic female modesty. Research limitations/implications – Scholars and organizations may investigate the nature and model of Islamic Work Ethic of to better understand emotional, psychological and ethical productivity of female employees in diverse geographic, cultural and religious contexts in order to refine the findings and theoretical implications of this study. Practical implications – IWE model may be consider, mobilize and implement in placing Muslim women in those roles in which there is lesser likelihood of conflict between their social and moral modesty and displayed rules, while not compromising their emotional, psychological health and social values On a societal level, policy makers and religious scholars may consider findings ways to promote an Islamic Working environment in interpretation of religious principles and their gender egalitarian practices to alleviate the emotional, psychological and social productivity of female employees and other relevant groups.