Assessment of Glass Ceiling Barriers to the Career Advancement of Professional Women in Construction Industry

Abstract

Women in organisations experience a ‘glass ceiling’ that prevents them from reaching top management levels or executive status in the construction industry thus raising the question of gender equality in the workplace. This study investigates the glass ceiling barrier in the Nigerian construction industry organisations and how this is perceived by the professional women. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of professional women (Architecture, Building, Quantity Surveying and Engineering) who have practiced in the construction industry was adopted. Mean, percentages, independent T-test and ANOVA statistics were utilised for data analysis. The study found that women face high prejudice where they are perceived to be less than men and also there is an unconscious bias due to cultural, tribal and ethnic differences in decision making by top Management. The women who have attained the Fellows cadre in their professional organisations are also treated with respect and are more likely to break through the glass ceiling barrier at an average level. The study concludes that professional women face glass ceiling barriers in their workplaces within the construction industry at an average level. Thus, it is recommended that professionals within construction should have lesser prejudices against women and see them as professionals with same abilities in carrying out task just like their male counterparts.