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

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.