CAREER ADVANCEMENT AND JOB PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN EMPLOYEES: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF EDUCATION IN SABAH, MALAYSIA

Roslinah  Mahmud; Borhan  Abdullah; Nur Faizrah  Ganie

doi:10.51200/mjbe.v12i2.7082

Authors

Roslinah Mahmud
Borhan Abdullah
Nur Faizrah Ganie

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51200/mjbe.v12i2.7082

Keywords:

career advancement,, work-life balance, family responsibilities, fear of success, job performance, education

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between career advancement and job performance among women in Sabah, Malaysia, focusing on the mediating role of education. Despite the growing emphasis on gender equity in the workplace, women continued to face significant obstacles in career progression, particularly in less developed states like Sabah, where cultural, familial, and psychological factors intersect with professional aspirations. Using a quantitative research method, data were collected from a sample of 390 women employed in both the public and private sectors in Sabah to examine the influence of key factors, including work-life balance, family responsibilities, and fear of success, on job performance. The findings revealed that both work-life balance and family responsibilities played a critical role in shaping job performance. At the same time, fear of success acted as a psychological barrier that prevented women from reaching their full career potential. Education, as a mediating factor, significantly enhanced job performance and career advancement opportunities by equipping women with the necessary skills and confidence to overcome societal and psychological barriers. The study suggested that workplace policies and educational initiatives tailored to these factors can substantially promote gender equity and improve women’s professional outcomes in Sabah.

Author Biographies

Roslinah Mahmud

Faculty of Business, Economics, Accountancy,
University Malaysia Sabah
88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

Borhan Abdullah

Faculty of Business, Economics, Accountancy,
University Malaysia Sabah

88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

Nur Faizrah Ganie

Faculty of Business, Economics, Accountancy,
University Malaysia Sabah
88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

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