The success of the South African construction industry in the international market: Is diversity an issue?

This paper explores research done in the South African construction organizations to determine whether the management of diversity is important. The study further identified eleven diversity issues using a literature survey and expert interviews. These issues were rated according to importance and maturity during a two round Delphi study with 33 experts. The four most important diversity factors were found to be: Organizational support and leadership for diversity; Foster individual maturity and ability to embrace diversity; Encourage intercultural understanding; and Commit to diversity in organizational vision. South African construction organizations are not yet mature in their management of diversity issues.