Women in construction-tapping the untapped resource to meet future demands

Menches, C L and Abraham, D M (2007) Women in construction-tapping the untapped resource to meet future demands. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 133(9), pp. 701-707. ISSN 0733-9364

Abstract

A lack of skilled workers has become a global problem that is impacting the construction industry. To address the issue, the industry-working in partnership with government agencies-has developed programs to attract new workers for high-skill positions in construction. These workers include women and minorities. However, attracting women into a career field that is dominated by conflict and aggression is problematic. Consequently, the industry is making a significant effort to change their image and culture, and these efforts are being supported by professional associations, labor unions, and universities. This paper highlights the current status of women in construction trades, management, education, and research positions. The paper also identifies many of the challenges women face in the construction industry and the many opportunities and support networks that are available to help them succeed.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction management; leadership; partnership; women
Index terms: face, government agency, program, career, skilled worker, partnership, construction industry, labour union, minority, women
Subjects: psychology, industry analysis, administrative law, sociology, partnership management, professional development, economics, software systems, management
Topics: Information Management, Research Practice, Stakeholder Management, Digital Applications, Legal Issues, Ethics, Human Resources, Organizational Design
Descriptive scope: 3 PCT

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here