This thesis analyzes the challenges faced by female and male leaders in implementing sustainable practices within the retail industry, with a specific focus on a case study involving leadership challenges at a Mexican retailer, referred to throughout as Retail-MX. It focuses on understanding gender-specific obstacles and the influence of organizational culture on sustainability efforts. The research questions guiding the analysis included the specific challenges experienced by female leaders, the role of organizational culture, and the differing perceptions of sustainability challenges between female and male leaders. To address these questions, a tentative theoretical model was developed that integrates gender, leadership, and organizational culture theories. Data collection included interviews with female and male leaders at Retail-MX. The responses were analyzed using the Gioia method, identifying seventeen first-order concepts which were then grouped into seven second-order themes. These themes were further organized into four aggregate dimensions and analyzed through the lens of gender and leadership and organizational culture. The findings were as follows: Female leaders at Retail-MX face unique challenges, including a lack of self-awareness, a preference for data-driven sustainability approaches, and a focus on long-term planning. The organizational culture supports a people-led, inclusive environment, but structural and cultural obstacles hinder women's career progression. Despite differing views on the urgency of sustainability—female leaders advocate for significant investments and immediate action. These findings led to revisions in the tentative theoretical model, resulting in the proposed theoretical model. This thesis concludes by highlighting practical, and theoretical, implications to provide actionable guidance for management at Retail-MX to assist in implementing sustainable practices within their teams.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:mau-67723 |
Date | January 2024 |
Creators | Cozaya Otto, Nora Arlett, Rodriguez, Sara |
Publisher | Malmö universitet, Institutionen för Urbana Studier (US) |
Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
Language | English |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
Format | application/pdf |
Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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