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Women in Leadership in Malaysia

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Current Perspectives on Asian Women in Leadership

Part of the book series: Current Perspectives on Asian Women in Leadership ((CPAWL))

Abstract

In this chapter, I analyze women in leadership in Malaysia from historical, political, economic, and cultural perspectives. I discuss women in leadership vis-à-vis women’s social status, family roles, and expectations of women in Malaysian society. A critical review of women in leadership roles in Malaysia is presented. Issues on the participation of women in the workforce, gender inequality, women’s leadership roles, and work–family relationships are also highlighted against the backdrop of the Malaysian cultural background. I conclude with a discussion of the challenges faced by women who aspire to be leaders in this country within the framework of the government, workplace, community, and family. The review is based on online sources and national and international empirical studies. Recommendations for future research conclude the chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Professional Development and Continuing Education, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

    Siti Raba’ah Hamzah

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  1. Siti Raba’ah Hamzah
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Correspondence to Siti Raba’ah Hamzah .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA

    Yonjoo Cho

  2. Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Rajashi Ghosh

  3. The University of Texas-Tyler, Tyler, Texas, USA

    Judy Y. Sun

  4. McLean Global Consulting, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

    Gary N. McLean

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Hamzah, S.R. (2017). Women in Leadership in Malaysia. In: Cho, Y., Ghosh, R., Sun, J., McLean, G. (eds) Current Perspectives on Asian Women in Leadership. Current Perspectives on Asian Women in Leadership. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54996-5_7

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