Balancing the Scales: Work, Life and Study Challenges for Female Executives in Emerging Contexts

ABSTRACT This study explores the unique challenges and strategies faced by female executives in Bangladesh who are balancing their professional responsibilities with pursuing higher education. In emerging economies, where gendered societal norms are pronounced, the overlap of personal, professional and academic roles presents significant work–life balance (WLB) challenges. Through semi‐structured interviews with 21 female executives, the study reveals key issues such as time constraints, lack of social support and gendered expectations that exacerbate the difficulties of managing these multiple roles. The introduction of the student role—the third role, which demands intensive cognitive and emotional labour—is identified as a crucial factor that disrupts WLB. Unlike work or family duties, which may follow more predictable patterns, studying requires flexibility that can lead to role spillover and tip the balance women already juggling professional and personal roles, where academic responsibilities encroach on personal and professional time, increasing stress and blurring boundaries. The study also highlights strategies that these women employ to manage their roles effectively, including fostering flexibility, seeking mentorship and advocating for supportive organizational policies. Findings contribute to the growing WLB literature by introducing the student role as a critical dimension, offering a more comprehensive understanding of how gendered expectations and academic pursuits impact women's leadership experiences. Practical recommendations for organizations, policymakers and educational institutions are provided, aimed at better supporting female executives in managing their diverse roles. This research underscores the need for more institutional recognition of the student role and the development of targeted support systems to promote sustainable work–life–study balance.