A review on why women-owned construction firms fail in KwaZulu-Natal?

Abstract

Abstract The South African government has instituted numerous programs to advance the role of women in the construction sector. While there has been an increase in the overall number of women-owned contractors suggesting a gender-positive environment in post-apartheid, there is a high failure rate of women-owned contractors. This study seeks to explore the primary contributory factors that lead to business failure. A sample of women-owned contractors in Durban was surveyed using an instrument developed from published literature on women in construction in South Africa. The sample of women-owned contractors was drawn from the Durban area from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Contractors Register database. Findings suggest that lack of training provided by the industry, dominantly male networks, prejudice and stereotyping, and lack of opportunity were the primary reasons given for failure. This study identifies the failure factors that need to be addressed to increase the participation of women-owned contractors in the construction sector. The findings provide a review on guidance for remedial interventions that will positively impact the number of women-owned contractors that will survive in the construction sector.