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Institutional entrepreneurs driving change: The case of gender equality in the Australian construction industry

Author

Listed:
  • Fanny Salignac

    (Centre for Social Impact, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia)

  • Natalie Galea

    (Faculty of Built Environment, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia)

  • Abigail Powell

    (Centre for Social Impact, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia)

Abstract

Taken-for-granted rules are difficult to change. The Australian construction industry is one example, where despite considerable attempts at regulating gender equality by government and others, the industry remains steadfastly male dominated. This article investigates the drivers (i.e. why) and processes (i.e. how) of change with regard to gender equality in the workplace. Using institutional entrepreneurship, we provide insight into the change towards gender equality in the Australian construction industry. We collect data from two Australian construction companies and, drawing on interviews conducted with business leaders, look at how new meanings around gender equality and diversity are negotiated. We find that while gender equality is an important point of focus for both companies, discrepancies remain between perceptions and reality as well as people’s level of readiness. We conclude with implications for theory and future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Fanny Salignac & Natalie Galea & Abigail Powell, 2018. "Institutional entrepreneurs driving change: The case of gender equality in the Australian construction industry," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 43(1), pages 152-169, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:43:y:2018:i:1:p:152-169
    DOI: 10.1177/0312896217705179
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Australian construction industry; discourse analysis; gender diversity; gender equality; institutional entrepreneurship; institutional theory;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • L74 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Primary Products and Construction - - - Construction
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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