Professional Hazards of Female Members in Bangladesh Civil Service: Dimensions and Remedies

Abstract

This study aims to identify the prevailing nature of professional hazards of female cadre civil servants, to explore the factors causing those professional hazards, and to suggest remedial measures to prevent those. Using a mixed-method approach, Kanter’s ‘Theory of Structural Empowerment’ was used to identify the prevailing nature of professional hazards whereas Hofstede’s ‘Cultural Dimensions Theory’ was used to analyze the causal factors of such professional hazards. Findings of the study revealed that different forms of professional hazards are currently affecting the life of female members of the cadre officials in civil service. These hazards include recruitment, promotion, transfer, higher education and training related issues. Beyond these there are other multi-dimensional hazards which has negative impact in the professional life of female cadre civil servants. Binding professional women with both professional and household responsibilities, the prevailing culture of Bangladesh makes it extremely difficult for female cadre civil servants to accomplish their career achievements as per their potential. Moreover, prevailing stereotyped perception about women like their inefficiency, inability to attend large and critical tasks causes additional barriers for the career progression. This research has also found the components of ‘Cultural Dimensions Theory’ contributing to inflict the professional hazards upon female members of the cadre officials of civil service. Hierarchic system of civil service, embodied in the rigid aspect of respect and fear towards superiors and intolerance of the institution to new ideas and changes, creates an environment that marginalizes female officials. Moreover, the bureaucratic system appreciates the masculine traits of officials, demanding female officials to adapt to this reality and judging them as a weaker part of the organization for the femininity they possess. Showing minimal respect for the double burden of female officials caused by their higher engagement with family responsibilities, the organization sometimes demands an unconditional priority of work to family and personal relations. The bureaucracy also often shows the characteristic of preferring collectivism to individualism, short term plan to long term plan, and hierarchic decision making to pluralist decision making. All these features are causally related to the professional hazards experienced by the female cadre officials in bureaucracy. These factors significantly affect their work performance. Several alternate measures applicable for civil service of Bangladesh and the government of Bangladesh was delineated broadly targeting to improve the working conditions of female cadre civil servants along with changing the mindsets as well as the culture of male civil servants of BCS. Understanding the current scenario that has been prevailing since the beginning, changes can neither be made nor be expected within a blink of time. Considering the current scenario of Bangladesh, perceiving the state being on a highway of development, efficient incremental progression should be visible stage by stage. This study, therefore, can be a valuable instrument to guide future adjustments in civil service related to the stakes of its female cadre officials.