A meta-analysis of factors affecting labour productivity of construction SMEs in developing countries

Abstract

Purpose The global construction industry is significant to economic development, whereas the sector, particularly its small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have continued to suffer from low labour productivity for decades. This has given rise to the concern of relevant construction stakeholders on the need to address the challenges undermining labour productivity growth in construction. Hence, this study aims to conduct a meta-data analysis of factors that hamper productivity growth of construction SMEs in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of existing studies relative to factors affecting construction labour productivity (CLP) is presented. Thereafter, eight developing countries-based studies that are specific to SMEs were selected for meta-data analysis using relative importance index values from the studies. Findings The essential productivity influencing factors were identified and quantitative data of the selected studies were synthesised. The effect summaries derived from the meta-data analysis revealed that the most significant factors that negatively affect CLP amongst SMEs include: workers’ skills, inadequate training, rework, management style and incentive to labour. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to scientifically analysed secondary data relative to SME contractors in developing countries. Practical implications The findings of the study can be adopted by construction stakeholders to evolve productivity growth policies for construction SMEs in developing countries. Originality/value Synthesis of quantitative data of different studies has lent deeper insight into a more realistic and scientific precision of factors affecting labour productivity of construction SMEs.

Applications of augmented reality for construction productivity improvement: a systematic review

“…Skill shortage has significantly affected the construction industry's decreased productivity (Adebowale and Agumba, 2021, 2022). AR can be useful in addressing this deficit by training construction professionals and educating construction undergraduate students.…”

“…Dai et al (2009) suggest that craft workers should be integrated into strategies for improving construction productivity. Despite the abundance of research conducted to improve construction productivity, most contractors continue to experience either simple or complex forms of low productivity (Adebowale and Agumba, 2021;Sweis et al, 2008). This situation is detrimental to project success and stakeholder satisfaction (Muya et al, 2013).…”

Mark-up on construction projects: what have we learnt in the last 20 years?

“…(2018) examined the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among construction workers; Alruqi and Hallowell (2019) identified the critical leading indicators for construction safety; Sanni-Anibire et al. (2020) provided a global view on causes of delay in construction projects; Hussien and Zayed (2021) examined the critical success factors for just-in-time application in modular integrated construction; and Adebowale and Agumba (2021) identified the factors affecting labour productivity of small and medium-sized construction firms in developing countries. With the aim to provide a global view of factors affecting mark-up size on construction projects, the present meta-analysis was based on a collection of relevant studies conducted in construction industries of different geographical locations, economic and institutional settings as detailed in the next section.…”

Exploring the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Marketing Dimensions, Brand Equity and SME Growth

“…For instance, SMEs in UAE contribute nearly 60% of the total GDP growth in the country, while in the Kingdom of Bahrain, SMEs contribute 30% of the total GDP (Ali et al, 2020). However, the reasons for low performance of SMEs in the majority of developing nations may refer to the shortages of needed resources, limitations of managerial expertise, lack of entrepreneurial spirit, necessity for quick adaptation of technology, improper market orientation, insufficient experience and skills in marketing, and poor adoption of quality management (Adebowale & Agumba, 2021; Chakraborty et al, 2019). Therefore, the low performance of SMEs in Saudi Arabia represents a critical issue that dominates the concerns among business owners and managers and correspondingly demands high attention in the academic research that may help alleviate the case.…”