Marilyn J. Davidson – författare

With women in the UK construction industry constituting just thirteen per cent of the workforce and black and Asian workers numbering less that two per cent, despite representing more than six per cent of the working population, diversity is a problem that the construction industry needs to tackle directly.

In this title, diversity management is presented as an opportunity for the construction industry. Work is presented from several different countries and regions, in North America, Australia and Europe to provide a comprehensive picture of this complex and often sensitive issue. Going beyond the traditional topics of gender and racial discrimination contributions encompass a wide range of diversity issues facing the construction industry, including sexual orientation, disability and the work-life balance.

Essential reading for construction managers and a valuable resource for post-graduate researchers, this key title provides not only a thorough exposition of contemporary research but also supplies the practical diagnostic tools, and techniques to successfully manage diversity in construction and the information to adhere to the law.

With women in the UK construction industry constituting just thirteen per cent of the workforce and black and Asian workers numbering less that two per cent, despite representing more than six per cent of the working population, diversity is a problem that the construction industry needs to tackle directly.

In this title, diversity management is presented as an opportunity for the construction industry. Work is presented from several different countries and regions, in North America, Australia and Europe to provide a comprehensive picture of this complex and often sensitive issue. Going beyond the traditional topics of gender and racial discrimination contributions encompass a wide range of diversity issues facing the construction industry, including sexual orientation, disability and the work-life balance.

Essential reading for construction managers and a valuable resource for post-graduate researchers, this key title provides not only a thorough exposition of contemporary research but also supplies the practical diagnostic tools, and techniques to successfully manage diversity in construction and the information to adhere to the law.

The expert contributors discover enormous variability between these minority groups, such as in the motivators that either ''pushed'' or ''pulled'' individuals into an entrepreneurial venture, as well as diverse attitudes toward ''success'': some groups wanted to achieve financial security - others wanted to enhance their sense of self-worth, or to change existing social and economic circumstances. However, some striking similarities were noted: initial disadvantage often created a powerful impetus to starting up a business venture, and accessing finance was extremely difficult for many.

Including comparative cross cultural data and case studies on the various minority groups reviewed, both post graduate students and undergraduate students studying entrepreneurship will find this book an invaluable resource. In addition, it will also be of interest to policy makers, governments and all those who wish to comprehend the nature of small business ownership for a wide range of minority business owners.

This comprehensive and coherent book redresses the balance and provides an up-to-date, theoretical review of this important area of study. A distinguished group of international contributors presents the latest work from the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, India and Singapore, which explores practical initiatives and strategies related to the experiences of women entering small business entrepreneurship.

Providing a unique balance between theory and practice, this book will be welcomed by scholars and students of women in management and entrepreneurship as well as policymakers and small business service providers.