Emotional Labour, Women’s Vulnerability and Risk Factors in the Nigerian Banking Sector: Counselling Implications.

Abstract

Banks in Nigeria have consciously or unconsciously introduced the concept of emotional labour to the banking sector in their struggle to have a share in depositors’ market that is already saturated. This paper explores the perception of female employees of banks towards women’s vulnerability and risk factors in the banking sector using a qualitative approach. Three individual face-to-face and structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The female interviewees revealed the risk factors, emotional labour and women’s vulnerability in the banking sector; but had very limited knowledge about professional counsellors and counselling in the banking sector. Interviewees were concerned about counsellors’ ability to display confidentiality, neutrality and independence in any organizational setting. They were also concerned about counsellors’ knowledge of the internal operations, business management and organizational culture of banks. This study suggested that counselling in the banking sector may play a pioneer role in developing a caring organizational culture. It is also important for the public and top management of banks to be aware of the relevance of counselling in the banking sector. This will help organizational development; assist staff in coping with challenges and life difficulties; create a healthy banking sector; good work-life balance and a healthy society.