Abstract:
The working conditions of people mostly play second fiddle to productivity and profitability in construction. Anecdotal
and empirical construction reports, mostly in developing countries such as South Africa, suggest inappropriate social
interactions on project sites. The awkward social interactions manifest through lack of respect for workers, who are
regarded as people with limited rational abilities. Using three case studies from South Africa as an illustration for the
discourse, this paper argues that on-site working conditions are critical to the well-being of people at the front line of
construction work. For example, poor working conditions are indicative of a disrespectful attitude towards the people
on a site. Further, both poor working conditions and lack of respect for people (RFP) constitute a significantly negative
influence on the general well-being of workers and their managers. This paper thus argues that it is time to translate
the notion of RFP into actual practice in the interest of employees and employers in the industry.
