Career, family and work environment determinants of organizational commitment among women in the Australian construction industry

A survey of women in the Australian construction industry was undertaken to examine the relationship between career, family and work environment variables on women's organizational commitment. Questionnaires were distributed to three hundred women in construction occupations and 109 completed and usable questionnaires were returned. Career choice commitment, satisfaction with career progression, job involvement, supervisory support and perception of the organizational diversity climate were significantly correlated with respondents' organizational commitment. No demographic or family variables were correlated with organizational commitment. Neither did organizational commitment differ significantly between women with dependent children and childless women or women with non-dependent children. It is concluded that construction firms aiming to improve organizational commitment among female employees should ensure women have access to career development opportunities and ensure just processes are used in allocating organizational rewards. Construction firms are also recommended to implement diversity initiatives and educate employees, particularly supervisors, in supportive management for a diverse workforce.