Obstacles to the career progression of professional female project managers (PFPMs) in the Ghanaian construction industry

Abstract

PurposeThere are significantly fewer women than men in managerial positions, mainly project management. This problem is noticeable in the construction and engineering sectors, traditionally male-dominated industries with leadership much dependent on masculine qualities. This study examines the obstacles to the career progression of professional female project managers (PFPMs) in the Ghanaian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachTwenty potential obstacles to women's career progression in the construction industry were identified from a comprehensive review of the literature. A questionnaire was prepared and administered among eighty project managers who work in large construction firms in Ghana. Data obtained were analysed using one sample t-test, Kendall's concordance test, Chi-square test and exploratory factor analysis.FindingsThe findings suggest the significance of all the twenty factors as potential obstacles to the career progression of PFPMs. The exploratory factor analysis identified five underlying grouped obstacles: “leadership and human capital related issues”, “issues related to discrimination of all forms”, “career aspiration and planning issues”, “female related role conflicts”, and “recruitment and selection issues”.Research limitations/implicationsThe subjective nature of the views of the respondents could influence the evaluation of the obstacles. With this study only exploring the dimensions underlying the significant obstacles, future studies could examine the interrelationships between the various obstacles and move on to determine their impacts on the career progression of professional female PMs as well.Practical implicationsHaving an in-depth understanding of these obstacles, stakeholders and other industry practitioners in Ghana could make informed decisions on measures to put in place to address some of these critical issues to raise the standard of professional female PMs in the construction industry. Policymakers and gender advocates in Ghana could also take up some of the critical obstacles identified and provide suitable strategies to educate and create the needed awareness of the industry on those obstacles. Practically, the findings from this study can be valuable for informing decision-making at different management levels in the construction industry.Originality/valueWith country-specific (Ghana) obstacles identified, the findings significantly contribute to the literature on the career advancement of females in the construction sector.

Fuzzy quantitative risk allocation model (FQRAM) to guide decision-making on risk allocation in Ghanaian public-private partnership (PPP) power projects

“…These include: Ke et al (2011), Ameyaw (2014), Kukah (2017) and Owusu-Manu et al (2020). Questionnaires have been found to be effectual in evaluating the perceptions of respondents (Agyekum et al , 2022a; Agyekum et al , 2022b). The established 67 risk factor list and 9 RAC were put in a questionnaire format.…”

Examining critical project management skills for successful delivery of major maintenance projects: insights from the United Kingdom energy sector

“…Given the difficulty in obtaining participation in a survey, the research team drew on their experience within the energy industry and also utilized their relevant industry contacts. Although the use of these approaches is justifiable because of the lack of a sampling frame, purposive sampling could be prone to researcher bias compared to the probability sampling techniques (Agyekum et al. , 2022).…”

Analysis of Gender Diversity Initiatives to Empower Women in the Australian Construction Industry

“…Participating in mentoring and coaching programs was found to significantly increase women's career advancement [32,33]. Seven companies (41% of the total) reported such measures in their reports and websites to the public.…”