Working women with disabilities: evidence from the Jordanian public sector

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to identify the level of human resource management difficulties (job suitability, training and development, motivation and performance appraisal) women employees with disabilities face in the Jordanian public sector, the satisfaction of the availability of the work facilities, difficulties they face when interacting with supervisors and colleagues as well as with clients at work. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive analytical approach has been used through designing a questionnaire aimed to examine the study dimensions. A random convenient sample of 306 women with disabilities was chosen. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Findings Analysis revealed that the overall level of human resource management difficulties in the Jordanian public sector as perceived by women with disabilities was moderate (mean = 3). The participants reported a moderate level of assessment (mean = 2.80) about the availability of the work facilities. In addition, they showed a moderate level of satisfaction about both the treatment they receive from supervisors and colleagues as well as from clients with mean values of 2.85 and 2.91, respectively. The participants with physical disability and who hold administrative jobs reported higher level of difficulties of human resources management. Data showed that about 82% of women with disabilities were hired based on a social/humanitarian base instead of merit system. Practical implications This study has a significant practical contribution in providing information that will help policy makers and human resource managers to identify job-related difficulties and develop policies and programs to alleviate them to provide a better work environment to integrate employees with disabilities. Originality/value This study has a crucial value in filling the knowledge gap in examining the work-life of persons with disabilities in Jordan and in the Arab world.