FACTORS AFFECTING EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR: THE CASE OF DEFENSE CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISE

Abstract

Labor productivity is one measure of the efficiency with which the human labor is assessed. Any variations in labor productivity will affect the construction project. A decline in productivity causes an increase in the time necessary to complete the project and the total cost of the project. The main objective of this study was to assess the influence of design and specification related factors, technological related factors, labor related factors, and organizational related factors on labor productivity in construction building projects in Defense Construction Enterprise as a case study. The research was primarily based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire. To this respect, a total of 114 questionnaires were distributed to purposively selected employee of defense construction enterprise, which constituted response rate of (77) or 68% and this was adequate for statistical generalization of the study findings. The information was displayed by use of charts and tables. Major design and specification related factors that affect labor productivity at projects are delay in preparation and delivery of drawings, incomplete and inaccurate drawings, and design changes at building projects. Major construction technological related factors that affect labor productivity at projects are lack of construction equipment and tools, an absence of technological advancements for machineries, and frequent damage of equipment. Major labor related factor that affects labor productivity at projects is incompetence of labors at projects. Major organizational related factors that affect labor productivity at projects were cash flow and financial difficulties, poor resources management, absence of working plan, lack of employee motivation, and poor communication in the enterprise. The researcher further employed a multiple linear regression model to analyze the relationship between factors affecting labor productivity and level of labor productivity in building projects. The regression result reveals technological and organizational related factors are positively and significantly influence the labor productivity. On other hand, labor and design and specification related factors were found positive but not significant factor influencing the productivity of labor. The results of the study may suggest that the enterprise need to give more emphasis on technological and organizational related factors to enhance labor productivity in building projects.