Development of a framework towards enhancing workers productivity in the Jordanian construction industry

In the current global economy, improving productivity in the construction industry is becoming vastly important in order to achieve projects success. Many management tools were built based on key productivity factors, particularly in developed countries to help construction organisations achieve high levels of productivity. However, these management tools may not apply globally since factors affecting productivity differ from country to country. Additionally, it becomes a complex subject when workers motivation is included. In the case of Jordan, there has been a lack of research in the area of workers motivation and productivity, despite it being an issue identified by academics, and a challenge facing the Jordanian construction industry. Hence this study developed a framework aimed at enhancing productivity based on the key motivational factors identified. A thorough literature review was carried out on the theories of motivation as well as the contemporary works on productivity in the construction industry led into the identification of 52 factors that were summarised under four major groups: socio-logical, physical, economical, and organisational factors. Additionally, due to the lack of research in the subject area in Jordan; a preliminary study was conducted where the results were used as a benchmark for the main research approach. An explanatory mixed methods approach was used to identify the key motivational factors affecting productivity. A questionnaire survey was sent to construction workers of all levels in various construction sites in Jordan. Analysis of the results using the severity index produced ten main factors: (1) work satisfaction; (2) pay on time; (3) feeling of achievement; (4) organised site management; (5) good site supervision; (6) good relationship with employer; (7) high responsibility job; (8) clear work schedule; (9) materials availability; and (10) amount of pay. Factor analysis was used as a data reduction technique to produce five main components that were used in the development of the productivity framework. Semi structured interviews were carried out after the analysis of the quantitative data to further reinforce the data obtained, identify the role of organisational culture in impacting workers productivity, and to validate the workability of the framework. The novelty and the contribution of the research is that the proposed framework will enhance the productivity and competitive advantage of Jordanian companies when competing against others and enhance both their practice and decision making.