Labour productivity motivation framework for Iskandar Malaysia

• Published in: Built environment project and asset management Vol. 8; no. 3; pp. 293 - 304
• Main Authors: Chukwuka, Christian Ohueri, Wallace Imoudu Enegbuma, Wong, Ngie Hing, Kuok King Kuok, Kenley, Russell
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Group Publishing Limited 05-07-2018
• Subjects: Career advancement; Careers; Communication; Construction industry; Data processing; Economic models; Employment security; Financial management; Human capital; Incentives; Job satisfaction; Labor productivity; Manual workers; Monetary incentives; Morale; Motivation; Productivity; Project engineering; Quantitative research; Questionnaires; R&D; Research & development; Researchers; Social sciences; Studies; Training; Working conditions; Malaysia; Singapore
• ISSN: 2044-124X; 2044-1258
• DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-09-2017-0070

PurposeThe 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/approachA 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).FindingsThe 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/valueThe 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.