College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Stacy Kolegraff, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
This project focused on exploring how both university students and construction industry professionals recognize and respond to opportunities to act as upstanders in workplace settings, particularly in support of underrepresented groups. The research aimed to bridge the gap between current industry practices surrounding implicit bias and the practical realities of advocating for inclusiveness on construction sites and in office environments. To achieve this, surveys were distributed to industry professionals, an in-depth literature review of modern upstander and implicit bias training strategies was performed, and a student-centered workshop was held at the Cal Poly Women in Construction Symposium. The workshop featured a series of real-world construction scenarios that prompted participants to analyze and discuss appropriate upstander responses from upstanders. This interactive session provided valuable qualitative data through participant dialogue and group reflections. Common themes that emerged from both the survey responses and workshop discussions included the importance of confronting bias through action, understanding that action creates real impact, and resisting assumptions until all relevant context has been provided for a situation. Overall, this research highlights both the strengths and shortcomings in current approaches to bias intervention while educating industry professionals and students on these approaches.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/906
Poster Board