‘It’s a man’s world’: the lived experiences of women working in the New Zealand professional commercial property industry

ABSTRACT

Gender diversity in the workplace results in the increased effectiveness of an organisation. However, within the commercial property profession in many countries including New Zealand (as in a number of other professions), only a small number of women are reaching senior positions. This research investigates why this might be. The study comprises one-to-one in-depth interviews with women currently working or who have previously worked in the commercial property profession in Auckland, New Zealand, to develop an understanding of what forces are at play in women’s choices to participate in the commercial property industry in Auckland – or not. Common lived experiences are identified including passion for the industry and the importance of an effective human resources department, they demonstrate gender imbalance, issues around having children, and difficulties around promotions and wage negotiations. Common challenges were workplace bullying, attitudes towards women, socialising, ‘fitting-in’ and coping with male banter. The study concludes that women working in the commercial property profession in New Zealand have thrived through mentorship, taking ownership of their careers and finding a good employer. The insights as to how women perceive the professional commercial property industry can be used to increase effectiveness by increasing gender diversity and inclusion.

KEYWORDS:

• Women
• gender diversity
• inclusion
• experiences
• property industry

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Bayleys Real Estate .

Notes on contributors

Deborah Levy

Deborah Levy is Professor and Head of Department of Property at the University of Auckland Business School, she has an academic background in land economy, property administration and behavioural property studies. Her research is informed by a continuing close association with the property industry.

Barbara Plester

Barbara Plester is a Senior Lecturer in at the University of Auckland Business School. Her research explores workplace humour, fun, play, organisational culture, food rituals and critical perspectives of organisational life. Prior to her academic career, Barbara worked in Publishing and Information Technology companies and has practical experience in Sales, Marketing and HRM.

Raewyn Hills

Raewyn Hills is a Lecturer in the Department of Property at the University of Auckland. Her research focuses on behavioural studies relating to the property market. Raewyn utilises her background in design to understand how experience social interactions within the built environment framework.

Jane Horan

Jane Horan has a PhD in social anthropology with specific expertise in economic anthropology and the anthropological perspectives on gender, she is an astute observer of New Zealand society and culture; massive consumer of social media and news and information online. Jane owns her own research company and is a professional who is innovatively bridging academic capacity and ethical, sustainable, and dynamic business processes.