MANAGING CONSTRUCTION LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT IN GAUTENG

Abstract

Labor is an important factor in the development of the construction industry and therefore understanding its contribution productivity performance is crucial. This is a requirement for informed targeted actions that would induce productivity gains to the industry. This is particularly relevant as the South African government considers labor as a key driver of productivity across different sectors of the economy. To this end, structured questionnaire was drafted and distributed to workers in twenty-three project sites in Gauteng Province of South Africa to explore the role of motivating factors of labor productivity in construction. The exploratory study discover that managements support and encourage productivity improvements through targeted incentives and career advancement opportunities made available to workers in addition to soliciting ideas from workers. The study also amplifies the need to use education and training as a productivity improvement and empowerment tool among workers in the construction industry of Gauteng.