Dana Sumpter Co-Authors Study Revealing How Women Navigate Career Shocks in Non-Western Contexts

March 24, 2026

A new study co-authored by Dana Sumpter, associate professor at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, and published in the European Management Journal sheds new light on how women navigate career disruptions, offering a more globally inclusive perspective on career resilience.

Drawing on 33 in-depth interviews with Indian women, the research examines "career shocks," unexpected events that prompt reflection and potential change in career paths. The study addresses a major gap in existing literature, which has largely focused on Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic societies, by highlighting how women in other cultural contexts experience and respond to these disruptions.

Grounded in the Conservation of Resources theory, the findings show that women actively use resource-building strategies to manage career shocks, including social support, personal agency, and spirituality. The research also identifies the importance of restorative and disengaged coping strategies, such as temporary withdrawal, which can help mitigate short-term challenges and support long-term career continuation.

Importantly, the study emphasizes that coping strategies are deeply shaped by cultural context. In India, strong social networks and spiritual practices play a central role in how women navigate adversity, challenging Western-centric models and expanding the broader understanding of career resilience.

By reframing career shocks as complex, context-driven experiences, the study offers valuable insights for organizations and leaders seeking to better support women's career continuity and long-term success.