Title: Tracing the career trajectories of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) women leaders
Abstract: AbstractThis study delves into the professional trajectories of 20 women leaders Vice President (VP) and above in the U.S. Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector. These accomplished women, carefully selected from Engineering News Record's (ENR's) Top 400 firms, shared their personal stories, discussing both triumphs and challenges influencing their journey to senior corporate positions. This collection of experiences provides valuable insights to identify the root causes of women's underrepresentation in the industry. Moreover, this investigation aims to create a career roadmap that supports early and mid-career women in their pursuit of success within AEC. Success factors contributing to these women's rise include a supportive partner, receiving early mentoring and possessing a genuine passion for their projects. Companies seeking to stand out and benefit from innovative outcomes that diversity offers should consider implementing diversity programs and fostering the growth of women throughout their careers. This may involve actively recruiting young women and providing funding for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs and scholarships for pre-college girls. Identified initiatives hold the potential to increase the number of women entering the industry and reduce the rate of early departures, thus helping to close the workforce shortage gap in the construction sector.Keywords: Genderdiversitycareer pathleadershipconstruction industry AcknowledgementsPrimary author extends special thanks to the doctoral committee: Dr. Qingbin Cui (chair), Dr. Hugh Bruck, Dr. Georgina Dodge, Dr. Hui Liao and Dr. Melissa L. Rocco. Their continued support solidified the foundation, analysis methodology, and overall quality of the research. In particular, Dr. Rocco's insight infused qualitative research expertise into earlier drafts. In addition, authors appreciate the constructive suggestions from Construction Management and Economics editors and referees to further strengthen the concepts and contributions of the manuscript.Disclosure StatementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Data availability statementPublicly available information sources guided candidate pool selection. Due to the sensitivity of the individual responses coupled with University of Maryland IRB requirements, raw data and data profile are subject to confidentiality protection per those restrictions.
Publication Year: 2023
Publication Date: 2023-09-29
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 4
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