The challenges of managing complexity in projects: An Australian perspective

Hatcher, Caroline; Linger, Henry; Owen, Jillian; Algeo, Chivonne

doi:10.1016/j.ijproman.2013.05.005

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…In the past few decades, project-based organizations have been recognized as ideal organizational structures to cope with the fast-changing business and economic environment (Baker and French, 2018), driven by the increased competition of globalized markets and rapidly changing technologies (Hatcher et al , 2013). Project-based industries are numerically dominated by men and characterized by high degrees of vertical role segregation (Baker and French, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Agyekum

Amos-Abanyie

Kumah

et al. 2022

ECAM

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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.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Agyekum

Amos-Abanyie

Kumah

et al. 2022

ECAM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Over the past decade, project-based organizations have emerged as ideal organizational structures to cope with the fast-changing business and economic environment, driven by the increasing competition of globalized markets and rapidly changing technologies (Hatcher et al, 2013;Hobday, 2000). As project management continues to expand, it is important to understand how this different form of organizing affects women's career progression and how it may be contributing to female underrepresentation in project-based organizations (Cicmil and Hodgson, 2006;Crawford et al, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Female underrepresentation in project-based organizations exposes organizational isomorphism

Baker

French

2018

EDI

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the structural career barriers in project-based construction and property development organizations in Australia, and explore how these affect women and their project careers. It applies the insights of the institutional theory to explain how the process of normative isomorphism continues to reproduce female underrepresentation in those organizations. Design/methodology/approach Based on an exploratory interpretive approach, this study consisted of 16 in-depth interviews with female project managers from the Australian construction and property industry. Findings The research shows that organizational practices may contribute to the ongoing female underrepresentation in the Australian construction and property development industries. The structural career barriers unique to project organizations include work practice, presenteeism, reliance on career self-management and the “filtering of personnel” in recruitment and promotion practices. Research limitations/implications The results support the institutional theory as an explanation for the factors that influence women’s’ perceptions of their project management careers. Addressing inequity between men and women is perceived as an organizational choice. Practical implications To achieve a substantive change in the numbers of women in project management, organizational leaders in male dominated industries such as construction and property development are encouraged to think strategically about how to overcome the access and opportunity that affect women’s career progress. Originality/value Drawing on the institutional theory, this study explores how the process of normative isomorphism may reproduce female underrepresentation and gender segregation in traditional project-based organizations.

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The impact of women’s representation on performance in project-based and non-project-based organizations

Baker

Ali

French

2019

International Journal of Project Management

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The challenges of managing complexity in projects: An Australian perspective

Cited by 4 publications

References 2 publications

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

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

Female underrepresentation in project-based organizations exposes organizational isomorphism

The impact of women’s representation on performance in project-based and non-project-based organizations

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