Challenges of workforce diversity uptake in the construction industry: a mixed review approach

Abstract

Purpose

Workforce diversity is essential for success from the perspectives of economic development and intellectual property. However, the construction industry is losing out on these gains due to the low diversity among them. The study aims to identify challenges impeding workforce diversity in construction literature through a mixed review approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study desk reviewed 188 relevant construction peer-reviewed articles and conference papers with no restrictions on the time range. The study adopted the mixed methodology review approach through bibliometric and systematic content analyses.

Findings

The study identified 67 challenges and further classified them into 4 broad categories. These were industry-related, organisational-, personal or attitudinal- and health-related challenges. Organisational challenges were the most prevalent challenges of diversity uptake in the construction industry. The publications' most influential sources, countries/regions and annual trends were also discussed.

Practical implications

Classifying the challenges hindering diversity contributes to the existing knowledge base. The framework's interrelationships among categorised barriers will enable construction professionals to make informed decisions in promoting diversity in the industry.

Originality/value

This study has a broad geographical reach, allowing the findings to be widely applicable to the diverse practice of the worldwide construction sector.

Citation

Owusu-Boadi, J., Kissi, E., Abu, I.M., Owusu, C.D., Baiden, B.K., Eluerkeh, K. and Opoku Ware, S.N. (2024), "Challenges of workforce diversity uptake in the construction industry: a mixed review approach", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2024-0216