Abstract

This is an exploratory study, which aims to understand workplace identity of Pashtuns female employees in a large public sector organization. This study has been carried out in two different cities (Dera Ismail Khan, Peshawar) of Pakistan. These cities are featured with the culture of Pashtunwali which informs local gender practices. The data was collected through twenty five unstructured interviews with male and female employees. Data was analyzed through constant comparison method. The findings revealed that Pashtunwali is very much important to understand workplace identity of female employees. Female employees are identified as ‘females’ and not as ‘employees’. Theoretically, this study is important in understanding the work life of female employees in a novel context. Practically, this study can be helpful in devising the workplace policies and hence to promote workplace gender equity and equality.