QUANTITATIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS AND WORKERS’ PRODUCTIVITY IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

ABSTRACT

The research work aimed at explaining vividly the quantitative relationship between motivational factors and workers’ productivity.

It introduces one to what construction projects are about, examines the need, purpose and effects of motivation and the use of incentives in the construction industry. Various works of renowned theorists of motivation had been reviewed in the course of the research.

Productivity as a concept was described in line with the important role motivation plays in enhancing productivity among other factors that may affect productivity. An attempt was also made at examining theoretically and analytically the possible relationship that exists between motivational factors and workers productivity in the construction in industry.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       INTRODUCTION

1.1   PREAMBLE

The construction industry, which is responsible for the provision of capital projects, comprising Building and Civil Engineering sub-sectors, contributes enormously to the national economy in form of Gross Domestic Product.       Andawei(2000).                                                          According to Arditi and Mochtar (2000), the output of the construction industry constitutes one-half of the gross capital and is 3-8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in most countries.

Despite the significant role the industry play in reshaping the  economy and its substantial work force, the performance has not been impressive. This low rating is as a result of the infinitesimal support the sector has received from the Government and the low morale of the construction worker both professional and non-professional alike. Andawei (1997).

It is therefore not only essential but also necessary to energize the teeming construction workers in order to maintain its leading role in both the developed and developing economies.

According to Andawei (2000)Motivation, which is the art of getting people to work willingly and more efficiently, is bound to positively affect the productivity of the work force. Berelson and Stenner (1964) and Flippo (1998) in their separate contributions viewed motivation as a human engineering approach being   triggered by individual needs.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Motivational factors are veritable means of enhancing workers productivity in all fields of endeavour. The construction industry is not an exception. However, the extent of use of these motivation factors in the construction industry is suspect. This study therefore proposes to investigate the quantitative relationship between workers productivity and motivational factors on construction projects.

1.3 STATEMENT OF SUB-PROBLEMS

After identifying the main problems, the following sub-problems were derived. To:

a)       Examine the effects of motivation on construction worker’ productivity.

b)      Investigate the motivational factors used in the construction industry.

c)       Determine the success rate(s) of the factors being used.

d)      Find out the problems associated with these factors.

e)       Prefer solutions to the above stated problems.

1.4    PURPOSE/SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY.

The main purpose of this study is to maximize the productivity of construction workers using appropriate motivational factors. The study will therefore be of immense benefit to the contractors, client, the construction industry, and the national economy at large.

The benefits of increased productivity to contractors are as follows.

1.      It ensures stability and continuity of construction projects.

2.      It brings about more profit to the contractor.

3.      It provides overall prosperity and reputation of the construction firm.

4.      Higher productivity provides opportunity for expansion of the construction firm concerned.                

The benefits of increased productivity to construction workers are as follows.

1.      Higher productivity permits more wages

2.      More wages permits better standard of living of workers

3.      More productivity means better working conditions for workers, which also help in maintaining better health of the workers

4.      Higher productivity yields improved morale and greater satisfaction for workers.

The benefits to the nation at large are:

1.      It provides greater national wealth.

2.      It increases per capita income.

3.      It helps expansion of the construction industry.

4.      It improves standard of living.

5.      It helps better utilization of resources of the nation.

6.      Increased productivity provides more satisfaction to consumers.

1.6    AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1.6.1 Aims:

The study proposes to examine how productivity can be increased through the motivation of construction workers.

1.6.2  OBJECTIVES:

1)      To determine the various motivational factors applicable in the construction industry.

2)      To examine how such motivational factors can be adopted in on-going construction projects.

3)      To determine the extent or level of motivation appropriate to result in increased productivity.