Abstract
This chapter explores narratives about work success in the construction industry. First, it investigates how site managers perceive success at work in different subject positions. Secondly, it examines subject-position-related preconditions to success at work according to their descriptions. The data were obtained from 21 site managers through semi-structured interviews. Results confirmed that the experiences under study comprise successful performances as: I) site managers; II) members of the construction industry community; III) specialists; IV) representatives of certain career stages; V) individuals; and VI) in societal roles. The subject-position analysis revealed the complexity of experienced success. For example, one can be successful in one role but less so in another. The results indicated that perceptions of success change during different career phases and that the key preconditions for success are cooperative leadership skills, accumulation of knowledge and experience, a committed attitude towards work, and optimism when facing adversity. Additionally, the features described as characteristics of the construction field, such as traditional and masculine working culture, out-oftown jobs, project-type work, and diverse teams, affect site managers’ success.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Positive Education and Work |
| Subtitle of host publication | Less Struggling, More Flourishing |
| Editors | Sanna Hyvärinen, Tanja Äärelä, Satu Uusiautti |
| Place of Publication | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Publisher | Cambridge Scholars Publishing |
| Chapter | 7 |
| Pages | 121-148 |
| Number of pages | 28 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-1-527-57677-3 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-1-527-57617-9 |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
| MoEC publication type | A3 Part of a book or another research book |
Keywords
- construction industry
- social environment
- positive psychology
- working life
- success factors
Field of science
- Economics
- General education
- Teacher Education