PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS
Jul 1, 2000

Comparison of Men's and Women's Careers in U.K. Construction Industry

Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 126, Issue 3

Abstract

This paper reports on a study of the factors and interrelated decisions that influence the career dynamics of female and male construction professionals. The research involved the collection of detailed career history profiles of matched pairs of male and female informants, at different stages of their careers. These data were used to establish the disparity between men's and women's career progression and to explore the determinants of women's organizational and occupational mobility patterns. It was found that problems existed for women at every career stage, where pressures created by the demanding work environment were compounded by inflexible working arrangements and overt resentment from their male colleagues. The findings suggest that ingrained attitudes and operating practices of large U.K. construction organizations will be difficult to change to the extent that they will encourage more female participation. Nevertheless, addressing the equality issue is essential if the industry is to develop a skilled workforce in the millennium, which taps the talents of all within society.

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Published In

Go to Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 126Issue 3July 2000
Pages: 110 - 115

History

Received: May 5, 1999
Published online: Jul 1, 2000
Published in print: Jul 2000

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PhD, Sr. Lect., School of Built Environment, Priory St., Coventry Univ., Coventry, CV1 5FB, U.K.
Prof., Dean of Res. and Consultancy, Univ. of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, U.K.
PhD, Sr. Lect., Dept. of Social Sciences, Loughborough Univ., Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, U.K.

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