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Leading a Neurodiverse Workforce: exploratory analysis of senior managers perspectives on neurodiversity within the Irish construction industry

Walshe, Fiona (2022) Leading a Neurodiverse Workforce: exploratory analysis of senior managers perspectives on neurodiversity within the Irish construction industry. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Given the prevalence of neurodiversity which is estimated to be up to 20% of people around the world, it is clear there is an urgent need for conversation around the topic (Mahto et al ,2022). As outlined by Mahto et al (2022), organisations are currently finding it difficult to manage and support a neurodiverse workforce, while also trying to increase innovation and competitiveness in a tight labour market. As we move forward in this hybrid, remote world and with the great resignation adding extra pressure, organisations are seriously needing to look more broadly for new sources of talent, requiring organisations to truly acknowledge what neurodivergent employees bring to the table.

Neurodiversity and its historical context continue to be debated, while the lack of uncertainty around its overall meaning and associated characteristics continues to exist, impacting support given by senior managers and organisations. An area which has lacked exploration to date is neurodiversity from a construction industry perspective. As outlined by Sulzc, McGregor & Cakir (2021), little research has been undertaken to examine senior managers experience when dealing with neurodivergent employees and support provided. Based on this gap, the objective for this research is to explore ‘what awareness do managers have of neurodiversity within the construction industry’. By additionally identifying senior managers realization of neurological variation, while considering senior managers experience of supporting neurodiverse employees within their perspective organisations. Analysing HR practices within the construction industry, whether they promote an inclusive workplace environment, and investigating if recruitment practices within their construction companies include/exclude neurodivergent talent.

To facilitate this research alternative author perspectives have been outlined, while an inductive qualitative methodology in the form of semi-structured interviews provides a current body of thought. Findings have outlined three thematic findings by senior managers, understanding, inclusion and training which is underpinned by subjectivity. Resemblance’s are outlined between literature and practical findings, with gaps being recognised and recommendations made.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > Construction Industry
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Diversity
D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > Leadership
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Leadership
Divisions: School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User: Clara Chan
Date Deposited: 23 Nov 2022 11:20
Last Modified: 23 Nov 2022 11:20
URI: https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5923

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