An Appraisal of the Career Experiences of Professional Women in the Nigerian Construction Industry

An Appraisal of the Career Experiences of Professional Women in the Nigerian Construction Industry

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Reference ID: PS-4202-TM

DEDICATION

This research material titled “An Appraisal of the Career Experiences of Professional Women in the Nigerian Construction Industry” is dedicated to God for his enabling grace, and to all computer enthusiasts who contributed to make life a pleasant experience during my research documentation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the completion of this project. Special thanks to my Supervisor (Name of your Supervisor), the Head of Department (Name of your HOD), the Lecturers in the department of Quantity Surveying (QS), Book Authors and Profound Scholars of existing or related project material on “An Appraisal of the Career Experiences of Professional Women in the Nigerian Construction Industry” for their invaluable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the journey.

I am also grateful to your study area (mention any funding organizations, if applicable) for their financial assistance. This research would not have been possible without the encouragement and assistance of some stakeholders (mention any mentors, teachers, or colleagues). Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the understanding and patience of my family and friends during this endeavor. Your unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation. Thank you all for being part of this meaningful endeavor.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY PAGES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

    CHAPTER TWO

    LITERATURE REVIEW

    • 2.1 Introduction
    • 2.2 Conceptual Review
    • 2.3 Theoretical Framework
    • ⋮
    • 2.4 Empirical Studies

    CHAPTER THREE

    RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

    • 3.1 Introduction
    • 3.2 Research Design
    • 3.3 Population of Study
    • 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
    • 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
    • 3.6 Method of Data Collection
    • 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
    • 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
    • 3.9 Ethical Consideration
    • 3.10 Statistical Analysis

    CHAPTER FOUR

    DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION

    • 4.1 Introduction
    • 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
    • 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
    • 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
    • 4.5 Discussion of Findings

    CHAPTER FIVE

    SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

    • 5.1 Introduction
    • 5.2 Summary of Findings
    • 5.3 Conclusion
    • 5.4 Recommendation
    • 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study

    REFERENCES

    APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”

    ABSTRACT

    The construction industry by its nature is male dominated and the low level of participation of women within it has attracted a lot of attention globally. In recent years, the industry recorded a slight increase in women participation but this is still insufficient to meet the challenges faced by the Industry on a daily basis. This research therefore investigates the positive career aspect of the few professional women who have made it to the top of their careers within the Nigerian construction industry by exploring their career experiences and expectations, examining the challenges to their participation and their notable and career satisfying moments along their career path.

    A biographical interview was conducted with forty-five (45) female professionals whose work cuts across all the sectors of the industry. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis method by grouping the results and organising them according to their opinions on issues discussed. The findings show that their experiences are not peculiar to them because they are women, but generic to both sexes which demystifies the male only image of the industry. It exposed the rare moments, job satisfaction, and excellent achievements which overshadows the challenges faced by the women.

    The women interviewed were found to have dealt with the challenges in a way that allowed them to balance both work and family commitments, and to them success is not only measured by work achievements alone, but also by achieving success at the family end. The study also found that lack of money stands as a major barrier alongside other challenges which are geographically based and are surmountable. The research recommends that the dissemination of information geared towards the enhancement of the image of the industry as it relates to women is necessary especially one based specifically on the opportunities available and the successes attainable within. It also developed guidelines for enhancing women's career within the Nigerian construction industry.

    An Appraisal of the Career Experiences of Professional Women in the Nigerian Construction Industry

    CHAPTER ONE

    1.0Introduction

    1.1 Background to the study

    The Construction industry is one of the most important industry sectors in terms of economic growth and employment opportunities (Powell, Hassan, Dainty, and Carter, 2007). According to the findings of Adeyemi, Ojo, Aina and Olanipekun, (2006), the Nigerian Construction industry is responsible for about 7 percent of the fixed capital formation and contributes 3 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP). It is estimated that over three million people work in the industry in various capacities as professionals, administrative staff, operatives and laborers. Thurairajah, Amaratunga, and Haigh, (2007) in their research also reported that in the UK economy, the construction industry contributes approximately a tenth of the nation's gross domestic product and employs 1.9 million people from its work force.

    The low level of participation of women within the industry has attracted a lot of attention globally, with majority of contributions from the developed economies (Gale, 1994; Gale and Cartwright, 1995; Dainty, Neale and Bagilhole, 1999; Bennett, Davidson and Gale, 1999; Fielden, Davidson, Gale and Davey, 2000) and the barriers to their advancement was reviewed and summarized by Amaratunga, Haigh, Lee, Shanmugan, and Elvitigala, (2007).

    In Nigeria, studies have shown that not all the reasons identified by the foreign researchers were obtainable here. Majority of what was observed were geographically based on the particular culture and nature of our country's socio cultural norms and these hinders the participation of women (Kehinde and Okoli, 2003; Kolawole and Boison, 1999; Adeyemi et al., 2004; Omar and Ogenyi, 2004; Adogbo and Ibrahim, 2010).

    …

    CHAPTER TWO

    2.0 Literature Review

    2.1 Introduction

    This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. A literature review includes the current knowledge as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. It documents the state of the art with respect to the topic you are writing. It surveys the literature in the topic selected. In this research work the literature review includes the …

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