Impact of gender bias on career development &work engagement in the OAEC industry & lean practice

Abstract

This paper examines findings from a gender bias study in the Owner, Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (OAEC) industry. By definition, a bias is a deviation from what is normal, which is defined by social norms. If different attitudes towards male vs. female co-workers exist, then one group may gain subtle yet impactful advantages in career development and work engagement. To what extent does this happen within the OAEC industry, including lean construction practice? While several industries studied the negative impact of gender bias on women in the workplace, this has not been studied in the lean construction community. Thus, this study fills the gap. Lean is based on respect for people and continuous improvement. Do these principles translate into more equitable experiences in promoting ideas, and in career development and work engagement for men and women in the OAEC industry? Regardless, if gender biases are acknowledged, then what programs exist or might exist to provide support to the disadvantaged group and level the playing field? The authors addressed these questions by administering a survey over social networks. This paper highlights initial results to raise awareness of the existence and impact of gender bias and begin exploring methods to overcome it.