Women in U.S. Construction Management Positions: A Qualitative Look at Motivations, Challenges and Considerations

This research study considered why there are relatively so few women working in the United States construction management industry. The qualitative study examined the social and economic factors that influence women’s career opportunities and choices, identified ways to interest girls and women in construction management, and determined how employers can better support women already working as construction managers. Five women who either are currently working in U.S. construction management positions, or who have worked in construction management, were interviewed using a qualitative research design. These structured-interviews focused on the women’s motivations to join the construction industry, what barriers they encountered both in their education and on the job, and what suggestions they have for ways to support women either interested in or already participating in the U.S. construction industry. © 2020 The Authors. Published by Budapest University of Technology and Economics & Diamond Congress Ltd Peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Committee of the Creative Construction Conference 2020.