A tour of India in one workplace: investigating complex and gendered relations in IT

Purpose This paper investigates the situation of women working as IT professionals in different regions of India within Multi-National Enterprises (MNEs). The research is part of a cross-national study that compared gendered relations in the UK and Indian IT sector. The complex roles that region, class and caste and gendered values and norms have in shaping women’s work and lives in India are discussed. Design/methodology/approach The cross-national research assumed common themes as part of a programme of in-depth interviewing and observations during site visits. The ‘safari method’ was adopted with research conducted by a sole field worker with intimate knowledge of the languages and cultures of both India and the UK. The research considered intersectionality and difference and aimed to understand material structures and cultural meanings evident from the research process. Findings There are significant differences in organisational culture even within MNEs sharing common legislative and policy environme...