Complexity of Factors Affecting the Career Development of Female Engineers: Qualitative Research on Ten Chinese Female Engineers

Abstract

: Ten female engineers from different professions with working experience between 1 and 30 years are taken as the research subjects. By using the interview method, we discuss the complexity of factors influencing the career development of Chinese female engineers from their perspective. The study found that the factors influencing the career development of female engineers are characterized by stages and multidimensionality. Individual, organizational, job, and professional development factors vary across career development stages. Engineering enterprises have not yet achieved true gender equality, and the two opposing gender concepts of traditional gender roles and the principle of non-differentiated equality between men and women significantly impact the career development of female engineers. Management positions are the direction of career development chosen by female engineers.