Work environment challenge and the wellbeing of women in construction industry in New Zealand – The mediating role of work morale
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 15 May 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the effects of sexism and unfavourable job conditions on women's mental and physical wellbeing in construction operations. In addition, this study will establish the mediating role of work morale in the association between workplace challenges and wellbeing.
Design/methodology/approach
Data for this study were obtained from women working in office environments, onsite professionals and those in trades. A total of 65 participants responded to the survey. The partial least square structural equation modelling method was applied to validate the measurement model and test the hypotheses.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that benevolent and hostile sexism directly influences work morale and indirectly affects women's mental and physical wellbeing in the construction industry. Hostile sexism is the most significant challenge for female construction workers in New Zealand.
Research limitations/implications
The finding is theory-building and challenges the assumptions that the nature of the construction industry has a bearing on the mental and physical health of women in construction. In addition, the finding is useful for creating positive work environments that are both inclusive and empathetic to the diverse needs of the modern-day construction workforce. Thus, reducing the challenges experienced by construction women's workforce.
Originality/value
The current study focuses on women and those who identified themselves as such. The conclusions show the relevance of work morale to their mental wellbeing. This exploratory quantitative study contributes to research by advancing understanding of the challenges women face in the industry and the consequences of those challenges on their physical and mental wellbeing.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study wishes to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Faculty of Design and Creative Technology, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland New Zealand.
Citation
Rotimi, F.E., Brauner, M., Burfoot, M., Naismith, N., Silva, C.W.C. and Mohaghegh, M. (2023), "Work environment challenge and the wellbeing of women in construction industry in New Zealand – The mediating role of work morale", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0152
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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