Abstract:
ORIENTATION : Spousal support is a crucial area to explore, particularly due to the increased
prevalence of dual-career couples in South Africa and the dynamics facing them.
RESEARCH PURPOSE : The main objective of this study was to explore Indian wives’ perceptions
regarding the support they receive from their husbands and the impact that such support has
on their career progression.
MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : The limited qualitative research available globally on the subject
and the dearth of research that focuses on Indian professional females in the South African
context motivated the study.
RESEARCH DESIGN, APPROACH AND METHOD : A qualitative research approach was followed, and
the data were collected through in-depth, life-story interviews. Purposeful and snowball
sampling methods yielded a sample of nine Indian female managers who were in dual-career
marriages.
MAIN FINDINGS : Spouses are essential sources of support for Indian professional women. The
findings revealed that there are various marital and socio-cultural dynamics that impact on
the spousal support received by these women, which ultimately influences their career
advancement.
PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : The findings provided valuable information regarding the
marital challenges that Indian women face in their career progression. The awareness of such
dynamics can assist management in devising strategies to accommodate and retain the unique
talent that Indian women have to offer.
CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD : The study contributes to the evolving body of knowledge on dualcareer
couples by focusing on an under-researched, but essential aspect of the dual-career
arrangement
