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Unequal Ground: Gender Disparities at Work Life in the Construction Industry

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  • M. G. Soundarya Priya

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India)

  • K. S. Anandh

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India)

Abstract

This research intends to explore how gender impacts different aspects of the quality of work life, emotional intelligence, and the work–family interface among professionals in the Indian construction industry. This study employs quantitative methodology using a questionnaire survey. The questionnaires were circulated to 900 construction professionals, and 724 valid responses were received, resulting in a response rate of 80.44%. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and independent sample t-Tests. The independent samples t-Test revealed significant ( p < 0.05) gender disparities in various quality of work life factors, emotional intelligence, and work–family interface. Males had a more positive perception of career growth, management, and the working environment. In contrast, females experienced higher job satisfaction, work commitment, personal satisfaction towards their workplace and personal life, a higher work–family interface, and a better work–life balance. Females also experienced a higher level of physical exhaustion and had a higher level of emotional intelligence, while males experienced a higher level of mental exhaustion. There were no significant gender differences in satisfaction towards remuneration and fringe benefits, work culture, or the level of psychological exhaustion. The findings suggest that construction industry organizations could implement policies and practices that promote equal opportunities, provide support for work–family integration, and foster a culture of emotional intelligence. This research adds to the current body of knowledge by igniting novel empirical proof of gender-based differences in the Indian construction industry. It highlights the importance of addressing these disparities to improve the quality of work life, emotional intelligence, and work–family interface among professionals in the industry.

Suggested Citation

  • M. G. Soundarya Priya & K. S. Anandh, 2024. "Unequal Ground: Gender Disparities at Work Life in the Construction Industry," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:14:y:2024:i:9:p:194-:d:1465500
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Helen Lingard & Valerie Francis, 2004. "The work-life experiences of office and site-based employees in the Australian construction industry," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(9), pages 991-1002.
    2. Singhapakdi, Anusorn & Sirgy, M. Joseph & Lee, Dong-Jin & Senasu, Kalayanee & Yu, Grace B. & Nisius, Amiee Mellon, 2014. "Gender disparity in job satisfaction of Western versus Asian managers," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(6), pages 1257-1266.
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