Abstract

This research revealed the interactions between the Kuwaiti culture, gender, and leadership from the perspective of 5 Kuwaiti female leaders. Within a qualitative design approach and narrative inquiry methodology, the researcher interviewed 5 Kuwaiti females who shared their stories about their personal and professional experiences about the interactions between culture, gender, and leadership. The analysis and interpretation of this research uncovered two key findings: (a) the influence of Kuwaiti culture on female leadership and (b) the commitment of these female leaders to have a positive impact on their culture. The development of female leadership within Kuwait represented a collaborative effort by all the country’s female leaders. As this research showed, these female leaders took advantage of every opportunity to prove their capabilities as leaders who deserve to serve effectively beside male leaders. The research data included some recommendations that could provide significant support for the development of female leaders, not only in the State of Kuwait, but also in other countries that could benefit from such progress. In addition, this project included some implications for further research studies focused on issues related to the interactions between female leadership and cultural influences.

Key words:  Female leadership, Kuwait, culture influence, qualitative study, gender role, leader, middle east, narrative inquiry.