Getting On Board or Going Overboard
A Case Study on Gender Inequality’s Impact on the Shipping Industry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59319/arete.v3i1.900Keywords:
Gender inequality, ethical leadership, global leadership, shipping industry, social change theory, discrimination in the workplaceAbstract
Background: This case study explores gender inequality in the shipping industry through the story of the protagonist, Maria Bahar, a young woman facing potential discrimination at her job. Students will analyze the situation, consider various responses, and recommend solutions. Through discussion questions, student participants will develop critical thinking and decision-making skills for navigating complex workplace dynamics in a globalized socioeconomic context. Students to weigh evidence, justify their approaches, and grapple with the complexities of navigating potentially unfair situations. Objectives: The goal is to consider the best path forward for the protagonist, and to understand the factors presented in the case study that are impacting said experiences. Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to address complex ethical situations, utilize the available resources to make decisions, and engage in collaborative problem-solving to address gender inequality. Use: For instructional purposes with students in business management, supply chain, shipping, human resources, women and gender studies, or similar courses/fields. Global applications of this case study should be considered, especially for teams that include people from multiple cultures, identities, and beliefs. Teaching Notes: Teaching materials available upon request.
Author Biographies
Rob Williford, Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, University of Indianapolis, IN, USA
Based out of Indianapolis, Indiana but originally from Flint, Michigan, Rob Williford is a student in the Global Leadership PhD program at Saint Mary-of-the Woods College. He serves as the Associate Dean of Judicial Affairs and Residence Life at the University of Indianapolis and is the Co-Founder of Brave The Cycle, an educational consulting and leadership development group. His research interests include men and masculinities, intercultural competence, and conflict resolution. In his free time, Rob likes to explore creative writing, collect old coins, and spend time with his partner Chloe and two cats, Calliope and Merry.
Elisabetta Vitolini-Mroski, Founder and Certified Executive Coach, CoachAgility, LLC
Elisabetta Vitolini-Mroski is a certified executive coach with a background that includes 20 years in senior finance roles in the United States and abroad. Her work focuses on accelerating personal and professional change through leadership coaching in organizations across the globe. Living and working in Italy and the United States inspired Elisabetta's study of global leadership in which she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. Elisabetta is the founder of CoachAgility, an executive coaching firm.
Aikaterini Sfyroera, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Aikaterini Sfyroera is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Industrial Design and Production Engineering at the University of West Attica. Her research interests include autonomous Shipping, supply Chain - Logistics and New Technologies in Shipping. Professionally, she has been involved since 2017 in administrative and financial support for MSc programs of University of West Attica and participated in various Erasmus+ research projects as a researcher, like "JOINclusion" a project addressing the social exclusion of children with a migrant background and “Circutex” about Circular Economy. She has also contributed to the ESPA "ENIRISST" project, focusing on intelligent infrastructure for shipping, supply chain, transport, and logistics.
Filippos Eleftherios Priniotakis, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Filippos Eleftherios Priniotakis holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Regional Development and a Master of Science in Public Economics and Policy. His research focuses on the intersection of environmental and economic sustainability and economic and political inequality. Throughout his academic career, he has been actively engaged in scientific research, contributing to projects such as the Erasmus+ funded Sustainable Energy Centres Of Vocational Excellence (SECOVE). In this role, he conducts research, participates in the organisation and teaching of students and staff, and fosters a supportive environment for young women pursuing STEM careers. His recent paper “Combating Climate Change: An Evaluation of Municipal Plans in Greece’s most Densely Populated Regional Unit” represents the first comprehensive assessment of its kind in Greece.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Rob Williford, Elisabetta Vitolini-Mroski, Aikaterini Sfyroera, Filippos Eleftherios Priniotakis
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