Abstract:
The current study investigates value transfer mechanisms through foreign direct
investment within the information technology sector that accommodates female
participation in the labor market, specifically in Southeast Asia. Current research reveals
that in general formal and informal settings in Southeast Asia have been on the right track
in promoting higher female participation in the labor market, especially in the information
technology sector. Within the formal setting, the imposition of regulations from the
government encourages female participation in the labor market. Within the informal
settings, cultural values, and social norms in Southeast Asia, the empirical finding shows
that information and technology is a sector that is deemed to be fit for females as it does
not involve intensive physical work. On top of that, the sector also allows flexibility
related to time and location wise. However, the value transfer mechanism is more
progressive and effective in promoting female participation in the labor market through
mandatory regulation within the company imposed by the subsidiaries. The current study
is an extension of the previous quantitative study. The current method used during the
research is qualitative, which gives explorative effect from the value transfer mechanism
itself rather than just confirming its existence.
