Kodikara Edirisinghe, R and Rathnayake, B (2025) Using the behaviour change wheel-based interventions to improve gender diversity in construction: A systematic literature review. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(13), pp. 234-257. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Despite decades of effort, women remain underrepresented in the construction workforce due to a range of barriers. This study uses the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to systematically devise strategies to overcome these barriers and provide actionable solutions that enhance women's participation and retention in the construction sector. The study employs a systematic literature review to identify critical barriers to gender diversity and corresponding strategies for overcoming them. A total of 53 peer-reviewed articles were analysed using the PRISMA method. The challenges presented in the literature were mapped onto the BCW framework and the COM-B model, a psychological model of behaviour, to develop interventions. Findings The systematic review revealed critical barriers in various themes spanning the education and career pipeline. By applying the BCW, targeted strategies such as early STEM engagement, mentorship, flexible work policies and inclusive recruitment were identified to address behavioural determinants of capability, opportunity and motivation (COM-B). Intervention functions were developed for key stakeholders across education, persuasion, training, enablement and environmental restructuring. This paper is the first to apply the BCW to develop intervention guidelines to systematically improve gender diversity in construction. The use of a comprehensive behavioural change framework offers a novel approach to developing theory-based, systematic interventions to enhance gender inclusivity. The study provides a roadmap for stakeholders to implement sustainable changes in the construction sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | behaviour change wheel; com-b model; gender diversity; gender inclusivity; recruitment bias; systematic interventions; systematic literature review; women in construction; workplace equity |
| Index terms: | recruitment, retention, construction sector, behavioural change, bias, women, pipeline, systematic literature review, motivation, career, determinant, strategy, behaviour change |
| Subjects: | sociology, management, risk assessment, psychology, industry analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, probability and distributions, research evaluation and metrics, behavioral psychology, professional development |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Information Management, Risk Management, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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