| dc.description.abstract | This study is an attempt to impress on building
contractors and all those involved in the implementation of
building projects the relevance and importance of good
industrial relations on building sites. This is achieved by
establishing and effecting reasonable terms and conditions of
employment which serve to motivate workers.
To achieve this aim, the study has examined the
characteristics of work on building sites that emphasize the
need for good industrial relations, the role of the state
and the trade unions representing employers and employees
respectively, and the role of contractors as the employers in
fostering good industrial relations.
Industrial relations means the employer-employee
relationship in the work place. Important aspects in
industrial relations include the establishment of reasonable
terms and conditions of employment. This involves individual
and joint consultations between employers and employees on
building sites and collective relations between employers and
employees. The state has the interest of not only protecting
the weak in the industry but also of ensuring that terms and
conditions of employment are fair. Thus the state enacts
laws and establishes the necessary enforcement machinery
aimed at maintaining industrial harmony.
It is shown that attainment of good industrial relations
is a reflection of effective management, which strikes a
compromise between its objectives and those of its workers.
This means that managers should not only be knowledgeable in
management of organisations but should also focus on
personnel management in order to achieve good industrial
relations. Managers should aim for effective communication,
boosting of morale, understanding work groups, causes and
control of industrial conflicts, and ensuring employee
participation in decision making. The thrust of personnel
management should be the motivation of the workers. The
personnel function is all ab6ut motivation.
Motivation of workers on building sites involve many
factors. Among these are the level of wages, job security,
working conditions, interpersonal relations, quality of
supervision, work itself, achievement, recognition,
responsibility, growth and advancement for all workers. The
employers are urged to recognise and improve on these
factors, thus enhancing terms and conditions of employment.
In this way, the very source of industrial conflicts would be
removed.
Research findings show that industrial relations on
building sites in Kenya are poor. The employers not only
failed to adhere to existing rules governing terms and
conditions of employment but were generally unconcerned with
the welfare of their employees and paid inadequate attention
to them. The enforcement machinery setup by the state was
inadequate.
A major conclusion of the study is that good industrial
relations should be seen in the light of sound management on
building sites. Good management enhances good industrial
relations.
The recommendations offered aim at creating a situation
which is conducive to attainment of good industrial relations
and enhanced productivity on building sites. | en |
