Turner, M; Zhang, R P; Holdsworth, S and Andamon, M M (2021) Taking a broader approach to women's retention in construction: Incorporating the university domain. In: Scott, L and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 37th Annual ARCOM Conference, 6-7 September 2021, Online Event, UK.
Abstract
Arguably, young professional women commence their transition into the construction industry upon commencement of their university studies. It is possible that women may be exposed to gendered barriers to success both directly and indirectly while at university, which may impact on their intentions of pursuing a career in construction. Construction can be considered as an ecosystem consisting of various interrelated components. This paper aims to extend the 'leaky pipeline' narrative by identifying key actors in the university domain who can influence the retention of young professional women in construction. Faculty can support women in construction through learning and teaching and research activities. A critical reflective approach is used to explore the characteristics of the university learning and teaching environment and the peer-review research process. It is recommended that the university be acknowledged as an integral component of the construction ecosystem. Future research should consider how the university influences and shapes decisions around the retention of women in construction. Without substantial and sustained change across the construction ecosystem, women will remain underrepresented in the construction industry and futile calls for increased participation will continue.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction; ecosystem; equality; gender; university; women. |
| Index terms: | retention, pipeline, peer-review, women, career, narrative, construction industry |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, sociology, professional development, qualitative and interpretive research, management |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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