A cross-national study of gender diversity initiatives: the cases of the UK, France and Spain

Tools

Caven, V. ORCID: 0000-0003-2047-2198, Navarro Astor, E. and Diop, M., 2016. A cross-national study of gender diversity initiatives: the cases of the UK, France and Spain. Cross-Cultural and Strategic Management, 23 (3), pp. 431-449. ISSN 2059-5794

Preview

Text
221761_PubSub3381_Caven.pdf
Download (607kB) | Preview

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/CCSM-11-2014-0141

Abstract

Purpose - Despite initiatives designed to encourage more women, the construction industry and its associated professions remain resolutely male-dominated and the situation shows little signs of changing. Reporting on the findings of an exploratory study which examines the transfer of Equality Policy into practice in three European countries: the UK, France and Spain, we provide cross-national comparisons of the implementation of gender initiatives in a single profession, that of architecture. Methodology - 66 semi-structured interviews were carried out in the qualitative paradigm with women architects in the UK, France and Spain. Findings - Findings are two-fold: firstly, our research indicates that there are many weaknesses in the support offered and in the design of the initiatives which serve to discourage women rather than encourage them and secondly, there is a clear need for th e dominant body within the industry – the men – to provide the impetus for change Originality - Our research is unique in that it offers a cross-national comparison of the situation within a single profession in a male-dominated industry which has attracted much attention for its lack of diversity and its reluctance to embrace change.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Cross-Cultural and Strategic Management

Creators:

Caven, V., Navarro Astor, E. and Diop, M.

Publisher:

Emerald

Date:

2016

Volume:

Number: