Women doctors, on working with each other

Abstract

Purpose – This exploratory study aims to explore the perceptions and experience of women doctors on working with each other and draw attention to their ‘voice’ on this issue. The equivocal and limited nature of relevant literature piqued our curiosity on how women perceive working with each other in work settings, particularly within the medical profession. Design/methodology/approach – Twelve women doctors within Australian public hospitals were interviewed through semi-structured informal interviews to “voice” their experiences and views on the comforts and discomforts of working with other women doctors. Their responses were compared to literature to determine similarities and uniqueness of their experiences to women in other settings. Findings – Insights from the respondent’s perceptions and experiences highlight several constructive and negative aspects of working alongside women doctors. Social and psychological constructs of being a “woman” and being a “woman doctor” as well as systemic/cultural issues of the medical fraternity formed how the women in this series of interviews perceived and related to the women doctors they worked with. Research limitations/implications – This exploratory provides initial insights into the experiences of women doctors on working with each other. Many themes identified have been explored in other settings. Hospital as a workplace, presents many similar work dynamics when considering the work interactions of women in other settings. This study should be used to drive more rigorous enquiry and a larger sample size. Practical implications – The working relationships women build with each other influence individual careers and organizational outcomes. Understanding the dynamics that improve and hinder the development of constructive work relationships between women can strengthen women-focused managerial and organizational policies and practices. Originality/value – The consolidation of literature coupled with the exploratory insights of this research contributes to a limited depth of existing literature not only in the medical profession, but in other industries and settings as well.

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