Labour productivity motivation framework for Iskandar Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a motivation framework that will enhance labour productivity for Iskandar Malaysia (IM) construction projects. The vision of IM development corridor is to become Southern Peninsular Malaysia’s most developed region by the year 2025. IM cannot realise this foresight without effective labour productivity. Previous studies have reported that the labour productivity of IM construction projects was six times lower than the labour productivity of Singapore construction projects, due to lack of motivation among IM labourers, and a shortage of local skilled labour. Therefore, there is a need to study how to motivate IM construction labourers, so as to increase their productivity. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research method was used to collect data from IM construction skilled labourers and construction professionals, using two sets of questionnaire. The respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique. In total, 40 skilled labourers and 50 construction professionals responded to the questionnaire survey, and the data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science software (version 22). Findings The analysis revealed the major factors that motivate labourers participating in IM construction projects. The factors were ranked hierarchically using Relative Importance Index (RII) and the outcome of the ranking indicated that effective management, viable construction practices, financial incentives, continuous training and development, and safe working environment were the most significant motivation strategies that positively influence IM construction labourers. Originality/value The study developed and validated a framework that can be used to boost the morale of IM construction labourers, so that their productivity can be increased. Implementation of the established motivation framework will also lead to career progression of IM construction labourers, based on the training elements in the framework. This career prospect will attract local skilled labourers to participate in IM construction projects.

Critical factors affecting construction labor productivity: A comparison between perceptions of project managers and contractors

“…Improving construction workforce experience and skills: Numerous studies encouraged that construction laborers should participate in programs of regular training to learn practical skills and real experience (Alaghbari et al, 2019;Enshassi et al, 2007;Liberda et al, 2003;Mahamid, 2013a;Ohueri et al, 2018). Therefore, the authors highlight construction stakeholders should create programs of workshops and training to enhance the construction laborers' experience and managerial skills of the construction parties (Mahamid et al, 2013).…”

“…Enhancing work motivation of the construction workforce: The studies were conducted by (Doloi, 2007;Ghoddousi et al, 2015;Khan et al, 2011;Zakeri et al, 1997) indicated that it is necessary to promote and reward construction laborers as a way of enhancing motivation and work satisfaction to improve labor productivity in the work environment. Besides, the majority of construction practitioners acknowledged the importance of being recognized for their abilities by being rewarded (Momade & Hainin, 2019;Ohueri et al, 2018). Therefore, construction enterprises should provide rewards as a means of demonstrating appreciation for the employees which shows that the managers valued their tasks.…”

“…According to Kazaz et al (2008), for the supervision levels of construction workers on-site, the general contractor has little control, at best, over the construction workforce of subcontractors. The incompetence of supervisors is an issue, workers are highly concerned with the supervision personnel and questions of their competency (Jarkas & Radosavljevic, 2013;Ohueri et al, 2018).…”

Toward energy efficiency measures for design of the IDB-funded integrated classroom building in Universitas Negeri Malang

“…Some studies have conducted in adjusting energy data for analyzing energy use in buildings and its relationship with LEED credits' Optimize Energy Performance scores in building energy efficiency [1]. In term of green strategy, the integration of technology (use of building information management tools, sustainable construction materials), organization (formulating, applying, monitoring, and evaluating green action plans), occupants' behaviors (education, encouragements, energy efficiency guide) will significantly reduce energy use of green building in many countries [2]. As for the housing industry (real estate developers), some studies have proven that the industry is not completely employed with the energy-efficiency approaches.…”

People-centred management for improving construction workers' productivity in Zimbabwe

“…Furthermore, while Nyoni and Bonga (2016) suggest that management-related factors could resolve construction labour productivity challenges in Zimbabwe, empirically sought and demographically targeted resolutions are non-existent. This is despite the fact that effective management is a major motivator of enhanced construction workers' productivity (Ohueri et al, 2018).…”