Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40330389›Full record

ArticleCureus2025

Leveraging Virtual Reality Technology in Saudi Arabia to Enhance Training: A New Paradigm for Developing Women Leaders in the Workplace.

Latefa Hamad Al Fryan, Mahasin Ibrahim Shomo, Rawad Hammad, Mohamed Imam

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Latefa Hamad Al FryanDepartment of Educational Technology, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU.
Mahasin Ibrahim ShomoDepartment of Administrative Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU.
Rawad HammadDepartment of Computer Science and Digital Technologies, University of East London, London, GBR.
Mohamed ImamSmart Health Centre, University of East London, London, GBR.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundGender bias and workplace challenges continue to hinder the career advancement of women in leadership roles. As Saudi Arabia aligns with Vision 2030, empowering Saudi women leaders (SWLs) through innovative training methods has become a national priority. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers immersive, interactive environments that simulate workplace challenges, fostering skill development and bridging the gap between theory and practice, particularly beneficial for women leaders who can practice navigating leadership scenarios safely.

objectiveThis pilot study investigates the effectiveness of VR technology in enhancing the leadership competencies, digital communication skills, and workplace adaptability of SWLs.

methodsA total of 52 SWLs from public and private organizations in Riyadh participated in a two-week VR-based training program focused on real-life leadership scenarios and workplace challenges. Designed by Princess Nourah University's Women Leadership Center in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which provided VR design expertise, the program addressed gender bias and leadership stereotypes. Data were collected using a System Usability Scale (SUS)-based questionnaire combined with leadership training evaluation items, which assessed both VR system usability and training effectiveness. Descriptive and inferential statistics (including Pearson correlation coefficients) were used to analyse the data.

resultsParticipants reported high levels of satisfaction with the usability and immersive nature of VR training (mean scores ranging from 3.95 to 4.11 on a five-point scale). The VR system was rated as intuitive and engaging, with participants quickly adapting to its use (mean score: 4.11). The training facilitated interactive and stress-free learning experiences (mean score: 4.08), though some participants expressed uncertainty regarding applying VR skills to day-to-day leadership tasks such as conflict resolution and performance management (mean score: 3.05).

conclusionVR technology, as indicated by mean usability scores around 4.0 on a five-point scale, is a promising tool for developing leadership competencies among SWLs. While participants demonstrated strong engagement and skill acquisition, further refinement is needed to align training scenarios with real-world tasks. Expanding carefully evaluated VR-based training programs can advance women's leadership development and support Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

Indexed as

educationextended realityleadershipmanagementvirtual reality

Identifiers

PMID40330389
PMCPMC12052398

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.