Development of a Framework for Attracting and Retaining Women in Construction Practice
Previous research has indicated that women are significantly under-represented in the Nigerian construction industry and that female undergraduates face barriers that deter them from engaging in construction practice. This research examined the barriers faced by female undergraduates in the cons...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia
2015
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eprints.usm.my/41463/1/JCDC_20%281%29_2015-Art._6_%2899-115%29.pdf http://eprints.usm.my/41463/ http://web.usm.my/jcdc/vol20_1_2015/JCDC%2020(1)%202015-Art.%206%20(99-115).pdf |
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| Summary: | Previous research has indicated that women are significantly under-represented in
the Nigerian construction industry and that female undergraduates face barriers that deter
them from engaging in construction practice. This research examined the barriers faced by
female undergraduates in the construction disciplines at Nigerian Universities. The research
adopted the use of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. A total of 360
questionnaires were distributed, and 259 (71.94%) were returned and used in the analysis. The
semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 female students and 16 women across
the professions of Architecture, Building, Civil Engineering and Quantity Surveying. The results
revealed that the undergraduates perceived the construction practice to be synonymous
with site activities and that family responsibility posed the greatest barrier to their
participation. The strategies identified by the women in practice included active
participation in the activity of professional bodies and seeking a mentor. It was concluded
that female graduates can be attracted to the industry, but efforts need to be put in place
to successfully implement the strategies identified by the professional women. A framework
that addresses gender issues in attracting and retaining graduates in the construction
practice was developed to help women plan their career in the industry. |
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