CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS FACED BY FEMALE PROJECT MANAGERS

Abstract

Females have always been the minority group for top managerial and administrative level positions in Singapore’s construction industry (Lee, 2011). Over the years, the number of females in top managerial positions has increased but the rate of increment remains slow. According to the Society of Project Managers (n.d), there are 35 females and 355 males under the membership roll. This indicates that there is a severe level of gender inequality. As there is a shortage of qualified professionals in the construction industry, there is a need to increase the number of females working as project managers as females are found to possess the leadership attributes for project managers.

The objective of this research is to explore the barriers and challenges that limit the growth in the number of females working in the professions of project managers. The research paper hypothesises that gender discrimination and stereotyping are the most significant factors limiting the growth in the number of female project managers. It also hypothesises that female project managers overcome challenges at work by portraying themselves as motivated visionaries and by demonstrating ‘genderless leadership’.

The literature reviewed was on: the challenges and barriers faced by females in top managerial positions, the impact of the challenges and barriers faced, and the leadership behaviours or styles necessary to overcome the challenges.

Eleven in-depth interviews with the female project managers were conducted. Out of these interviewees, one was chosen as the subject of a case study to support the interview findings. It was found that females do not experience significant gender discrimination and stereotyping that would cause them to leave the profession. Instead, they have to confront challenges involving family concerns, managing project team members due to conflicting requirements and handling high stress levels while at work. Generally, female project managers manage challenges by displaying leadership behaviours such as being visionary, communicating and making decision. In addition, they practice “genderless leadership” to handle the challenging situations.