Female professionals’ perceptions of the contribution of female management traits to project success in the construction industry

Grounded in Role Congruity Theory and Transformational Leadership Theory, this research examined how management traits associated with female professionals, labelled Female Inherent Management Traits (FIMTs), relate to self-reported project outcomes in Ghana’s construction industry. A sequential mixed-methods approach was adopted, comprising interviews with 13 female construction professionals and a quantitative survey of 102 participants in project management positions. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using NVivo V14.23, generating seven themes and 30 sub-themes inductively, with code saturation retrospectively reached at the ninth interview. Quantitative data were analysed using linear regression and one-way ANOVA. Findings indicated that traits associated with female professionals, particularly multitasking, meticulousness, methodical planning and decisiveness, alongside communication and relationship building, were positively associated with perceived project performance. Participants linked these traits to cost control, risk avoidance, timely delivery, quality and team cohesion, although five interviewees rejected the view that gender determines project success. The findings suggest that leadership traits often perceived as unsuitable in male-dominated industries may contribute to project effectiveness when supported by organisational systems. They further highlight female professionals’ perceived capacity to transform conflict into cooperation. Female representation in senior construction roles may offer organisational value beyond diversity compliance, supporting collaboration, effectiveness and sustained project outcomes.