Career Advancement, Organizational Support and Job Satisfaction: A Phenomenological Study of Visually Impaired Employees
Contributors
- Neelam Niaz M.Phil. Scholar, Department of Education, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
- Dr. Irfan Bashir Associate Professor, Department of Education, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Abstract
This study examines the lived experiences of visually impaired employees in Lahore who work in the public and private sector and how they tackle the challenges they face, the strategies they employ, and the support system they have. Although there is growing awareness and policies encouraging workplace inclusion, people with visual impairments still encounter serious obstacles including inaccessibility and accommodation and poor attitude of the society. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 participants selected using purposive and snowball sampling. The results indicate that not only are workplace challenges structural but also strongly social since many of the participants indicated that they have faced experiences of exclusion, undervalued abilities, and limited career advancements. Nevertheless, the study also reveals the strength of these people, who proactively pursue self-advocacy, use assistive technologies, and draw on personal and professional networks of support to overcome the challenges at work. The access to fair praise and conducive organizational behaviours was also identified to contribute greatly to job satisfaction and productivity. The research highlights the importance of organizations to go beyond policy-level inclusion and implement more realistic and people-focused strategies that would provide access and equal opportunities. Since it captures real life experiences, this study offers helpful data to policy makers, employers, and support organizations to develop more inclusive, equitable and supportive workplaces that accommodate the visually impaired.
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Corresponding Author
Neelam Niaz
M.Phil. Scholar, Department of Education, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Corresponding Author: [email protected]
