Application of LinkedIn Data and Image Processing to Analyze Construction Career Paths: Does Race Matter?
Publication: Computing in Civil Engineering 2023
ABSTRACT
Although prior research has shown that diverse high-level management teams can improve organizational performance, there is limited knowledge regarding the racial diversity among executive roles in US construction companies. This study analyzed the LinkedIn profiles of over 2,800 US executives from the Engineering News Record’s Top 400 list to assess racial diversity in executive roles within large construction companies. Researchers used Python deep face recognition to identify the profile race with over 97% accuracy. Results showed that less than 21% of construction executives came from non-white communities, with women occupying less than 10% of executive positions. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in how racial groups achieved leadership positions. However, male leaders from underrepresented racial groups had a greater gap compared to white male leaders than female leaders from different racial groups. The study provides insights that can help early and midlevel professionals model their career journeys, and diversification in leadership can benefit companies and their customers from an industry perspective.
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Published In
Computing in Civil Engineering 2023
Pages: 882 - 889
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Published online: Jan 25, 2024
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