Negotiating The Cultural Barriers: A Study Of Organizational Commitment Of Pakhtun Female Employees In Pakistani Banking Sector

Abstract

This exploratory study has been carried out in different branches of a larger bank within two cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province viz Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan. The culture of province is dominantly based on ‘Pakhtunwali’ that refers to the ‘unwritten code of life that governs and negotiates the everyday life of Pakhtuns. Pakhtunwali imposes certain cultural barriers on female employment. Among others, ‘Namos’ (protection of honor) is a foremost tenant of Pakhtunwali, which does not allow females to participate in public life. However, a recent trend reveals that more females, especially young ones, are getting engaged in paid work. These female employees demonstrate their organizational commitment through negotiating the cultural barriers at workplace. Grounded Theory techniques have been used to collect and analyze field data. This study makes important contributions in terms of understanding the work life of Pakhtuns female employees in a novel context. It will also contribute in policy formulation towards gender equity and equality in the context of Pakhtun region.