Factors influencing women's success in leadership in Myanmar

Abstract

This thematic paper explores the factors influencing women’s career success in leadership in Myanmar, focusing on leadership evolution, communication strategies, and resilience. Drawing on interviews with four successful women leaders- Lily, Rose, CiCi, and Yin- the study examines how these women navigated socio-cultural challenges in a traditionally male-dominated business environment. Initially adopting transactional and autocratic leadership styles to assert authority, they later transitioned to transformational leadership approaches that emphasized collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation as their businesses grew. The study highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, particularly empathy and active listening, in navigating socio-political challenges in Myanmar. These women demonstrated resilience and growth mindsets in balancing cultural expectations. Furthermore, they overcame biases and fostered trust within their organizations through social support and reframing hardships as learning opportunities. These findings underline the transformative impact of women’s leadership in Myanmar, providing valuable insights for future women leaders, encouraging gender equity, and fostering innovation in Myanmar’s business landscape.