Career development and success at work in and around construction sites: experiences and perspectives within finnish construction management

The goal of meaningful work and careers is emphasized in contemporary research as well as in everyday experiences. There are as many fascinating, individual career stories in the world of work as there are workers. Additionally, the sector in which a career takes place influences its course and content. From the perspective of successful careers and adult development, the construction field offers an intriguing research context with a multitude of branch-specific features. In a time when the field is suffering from labor shortages and people seem to be enjoying a shorter time in positions such as site manager, more attention should be paid to the attractiveness of careers in the construction sector in general. The constantly developing working environment is causing significant changes in career development and career management in the sector, leading to the need to explore organizational practices that can contribute to the development of satisfying careers.

This dissertation aims to provide an academic overview of the perceptions and experiences of individuals who shape and support careers in the construction field, particularly those involved in and around construction sites. With the research design, I aim to highlight experiential aspects of career development and success at work and thus provide researched information that can be utilized not only in the academic debate on careers and success at work, but also in construction education and working life. In order to meet these objectives, I have designed research consisting of three studies, which together answer the dissertation’s main research question: How are career development and success experienced and supported in the construction field? To this end, the publications of this article-based thesis are based on the following studies: (1) success at work and its preconditions in construction site managers’ career stories, (2) career development to construction site managerial positions in the construction field and (3) supervisors’ perceptions of career support in construction companies.

The theoretical framework is multidimensional and consists of an examination of the phenomenon of career development and success at work, their definitions, and factors affecting them. The research approach of this qualitative study is multimethodological, consisting of narrative and phenomenographical approaches. I have collected research material, consisting of 44 interviews, in two phases: first during the spring and autumn of 2021, and second during the summer and late autumn of 2022. I examine the individual career narratives of those working in managerial positions in and around construction sites (N=21) and have interviewed representatives (N=23) of five construction companies operating in Finland for their perceptions of employee career support.

The material is analyzed through various methods. The perceptions of success at work and career stories are examined with a narrative approach (Studies I and II), and the perceptions of career support of construction companies’ supervisors are examined with a phenomenographical approach (Study III).

The results reveal that success at work is perceived through six roles relating to work, society, and individual aspects. Managerial career paths in the construction field seem to involve primary interest in either: 1) construction actions, 2) versatile projects, or 3) management. Career support, then, is understood through perceptions of various definitions of career. The conceptions are professionally-, individually-, or company oriented, interwoven by support for continuous learning. This dissertation suggests that successful, employee-centered careers can be supported and managed by individuals and those who support career development through the discussion and definition of two fundamental issues what type of career and interests contribute to individuals thriving in their careers, and what role(s) they perceive to be successful at work. These definitions will then assist in identifying and designing ways to support individuals’ career development, success at work and continuous learning. Further, these supportive means can be divided according to their orientation, based on the individual, the professional, and the needs of the employer.

Little research has been conducted on the career development of construction site management from a positive psychology perspective, making this study a valuable and novel contribution to the field of career research. The results enhance the understanding of success at work and career development in the construction sector, offering important insights for broader career research. Additionally, this dissertation highlights that careers can evolve within the same job title, in addition to vertical and horizontal development. This observation could be more strongly emphasized in education and construction companies, potentially guiding the development of career support practices.