The Role of Empowerment in Breaking Career Barriers – A Study of Middle Management Female Engineers in Malaysian Manufacturing Sector

This thesis investigated the role of empowerment in breaking career progression barriers limiting middle-level Malaysian female engineers. The study examined the moderating effect of empowerment factors on the relationship between career barriers and career progression. A theoretical and empirical literature review informed the design of a conceptual framework for the study. Malaysia’s engineering sector lacks empowerment research. Pragmatism and the mixed-method design were adopted. Cross-sectional primary data were collected using survey and structured interview methods, by way of questionnaires and interview guides with confirmed validity and reliability. In all, 120 middle-level female engineers responded to the questionnaires, while 20 middle - level female engineers participated in structured interviews. Subsequently, 20 respondents including HR managers and male and female managerial engineers participated in a validation exercise. Descriptive statistics, a correlation model, and a hierarchical regression model were used to analyse the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the qualitative data. Both quantitative and qualitative data affirmed gender stereotyping; work-life balance; technical skills limitation; negative perception; and misogynistic management as key career barriers, whilst the qualitative data identified artificial intelligence as a supplementary career barrier. Structural, Psychological, and Self-efficacy empowerment were affirmed as empowerment forces that could break the career barriers facing female engineers. The research offers new insights into the role of AI and spiritual empowerment as barriers and enablers. Findings showed that all empowerment factors are effective in addressing career barriers, with some being more impactful. Based on these findings, recommendations are provided for policymakers, HR managers, and engineers to foster an empowering environment. Overall, this research offers a practical framework for evaluating empowerment strategies to support female engineers’ career progression in Malaysia.