Investigating Factors Influencing Career Choice of Emirati Women in the Satellite and Space Industry in the UAE

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the career choice of Emirati women in the satellite and space industry in the UAE. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative survey was collected from 120 employees working in 37 companies in the satellite and space industry in the UAE. Ten factors were identified from the literature review and factorial analysis. RII ranked the factors and identified their level of importance. One sample t-test identified the relation between the factors and the career choice of Emirati women in the satellite and space industry in the UAE. Correlation matrix identified the interplay between the factors. Oneway ANOVA tests and independent t-tests tested the difference in perception among the respondents based on their demographic data towards the factors. Findings: Ten factors were identified and ranked in order of importance from highest to lowest: Satellite and space companies' policies; Education institutions' policies and initiatives; Familial role model; Personal beliefs; Societal role models; Government policies and initiatives; STEM education; The role of media; The role of NGOs; and cultural and societal. Seven factors are very important and three are somewhat important. All ten factors were found to positively affect the career choice of Emirati women in the satellite and space industry in the UAE using one sample t-test, t(119) > 1.96, p < .05. Originality/Value: Even though progressed and well established in the UAE, Emirati women's career choice is still affected by many factors and has not extended to its full potential, and although the career choice climate is similar for Emirati men and women in the UAE, the space and satellite industry is still male dominant. Hence, now is the time to develop Emirati women's inclusion in line with the vision and strategies of the UAE government.