The impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on female leadership: mediating effects of professional development and moderating influences of cultural dynamics

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 policies on women’s leadership, exploring how these policies alter opportunities for women in leadership roles, the role of professional development programs and their interplay with cultural attitudes. It aims to contribute to the discourse on gender equality and leadership in Saudi Arabia and globally, particularly in conservative and transitioning societies. Methodology Using SEM, Pearson correlation and PROCESS procedure models in SPSS, this study uses cross-sectional survey data from 296 Saudi employees. Specialized scales measure the impact of Vision 2030 on women’s leadership opportunities, the role of professional development and cultural influences. Findings This research shows a significant influence of Vision 2030 policies on women’s leadership roles, notably by increasing the number of women in leadership positions and enhancing their career development opportunities. Professional development programs were found to be crucial mediators in this relationship, with cultural dynamics acting as significant moderators. The policies directly and indirectly affect women’s leadership, mediated by professional development. Originality This study uniquely examines the impact of Vision 2030 on female leadership within Saudi Arabian society, integrating perspectives on policy, professional development and cultural dynamics. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators and organizational leaders in conservative, changing societies.