Insights into Ineffectiveness of Gender Equality and Diversity Initiatives in Project-Based Organizations

Project-based organizations (PBOs) in engineering–construction–property industries are persistently among the most male-dominated worldwide, and, as such, not capitalizing on numerous performance gains derived from diversity. Large Australian PBOs (among others) required to develop formal gender equality and diversity initiatives (GEDIs) embrace Despite comparatively higher numbers of GEDIs PBOs, women’s representation remains lower than non-PBOs. Using lenses organizational justice theory inattention theory, this study explored leaders’ GEDI decisions related selection implementation their ineffectiveness. Quantitative data 4,841 non-PBOs were collected 2018–2019 annual progress reports. In-depth quantitative qualitative five through interviews with senior leaders, documents, Findings indicate that leaders select based personal views individual bias. They focus meeting legislative industry requirements rather developing a strategic business approach, appear trapped by own indifference substantive issues diversity, reinforcing systemic inequalities. We discussed theoretical research contributions practical implications.