Construction Labour Management

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

This research explores the concept of “Human Resource” in a holistic context. It covers various theories and traditional aspect of human Resource Management. Since, there has been a significant shortage of skilled labour in construction industry of UK; the main focus of the research is on “human resource in construction industry of United Kingdom”. The research also analyzes different aspects and problems faced by the human resource management in construction industry of United Kingdom. With the help of secondary methodology, the research has tried to provide some implication which can help in resolving the issues faced by the human resource management of construction industry in Unite Kingdom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Research Background1

1.2 Research Questions2

1.3 Aims and Objectives2

1.4 Rationale2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

2.1 Human Resource4

2.1.1 Traditional View of Human Resource Management5

2.2 The Construction Industry6

2.3 The Construction Industry of United Kingdom7

2.4 Potential Leadership of the Construction Industry8

2.5 Human Resource in the Construction Industry9

2.5.1 Value of Strategic HRM10

2.6 Lack of Skilled Labour13

2.7 Modifying Labour Market13

2.8 Aging and Workforce13

2.9 Human Resource Management Theories in the Construction Industry14

2.10 Employee Motivation15

2.10.1 Employees needs and wants16

2.10.2 Woking environment16

2.10.3 Responsibilities16

2.10.4 Competent Supervision17

2.10.5 Equity and Fairness17

2.10.6 Efforts17

2.10.7 Development of Employees18

2.11 Importance of Communication in Managing People18

2.12 Implementing Strategic HRM19

2.13 Managing Construction Stakeholders22

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY24

3.1 Research Approach24

3.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Secondary Data25

3.3 Data collection procedure25

3.3.1 Searching Techniques26

3.3.2 Literature Search26

3.4 Data Sources27

3.5 Limitations27

3.6 Validity28

3.7 Reliability30

3.8 Generalizability32

3.9 Ethical Considerations32

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS34

4.1 Leadership Development34

4.2 Employee Commitment34

4.3 Aging in the construction industry Workforce35

4.4 Labour Safety Related Issues in The construction industry37

4.5 Work Related Injuries in the construction industry37

4.5.1 Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use among Construction Workers38

4.6 Unskilled Labour38

4.7 Motivation40

4.7.1 Costs Associated with Motivation40

4.8 Providing Effective Training43

4.9 Equal Treatment44

4.10 Environmental Uncertainty44

4.11 Shortage of Labour45

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS47

5.1 Recommendations47

5.2 Conclusion53

REFERENCES57

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Research Background

Human resource management has always been one of the most important and valuable asset in the construction industry. The practices of human resource management are mostly linked with acquiring value through autonomy, productivity, cost, contribution and skills awareness.

Even though, the construction industry is among the most labour-intensive industries, yet there is inadequate attention given to the people management issues in this industry. Moreover, the main focus of attention in regards to Human Resource has been one the most considered aspect of the functions of human resource management, yet numerous problems and serious issues rise on the project (Becker, Gerhart, 2006, 779-801). Management of labour is very important in the construction industry; firms are able to sustain their competitive advantage by developing and creating their value in a manner that becomes ...