The Effect Of Human Resource Management Practices On Masonry Labour Productivity In The Kenyan Construction Industry

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices on masonry labour productivity in the construction industry in Nairobi City County. The study was guided by four specific objectives: to establish the extent to which human resource management practices are implemented in the construction industry ; to identify factors affecting masonry labour productivity in the construction industry ; and to investigate the effect of human resource management practices on masonry labour productivity in the construction industry in Nairobi City County. In order to achieve the research objectives, the study adopted a quantitative research technique whereby explanatory research design was applied since very little has been carried out on the topic under investigation, which also involves a relationship between human resource practices and labour productivity. Systematic sampling of construction managers was carried out. A sample size of 105 respondents was obtained, located on 35 construction sites. However, the investigation involved 65 (61.9%) respondents, working on 35 sites that were accessible during the study. Questionnaires were the main research instruments used to collect data from the respondents which formed primary sources of information. The filled-up questionnaires were returned by 43 masons and 22 construction managers. The response rate was therefore 61.4% and 62.9% respectively. Books, journals and the internet provided secondary sources of information. According to the research results, the HRM practices to be investigated were performance appraisal and reward management; training and development; recruitment and selection; health, safety and welfare; employee engagement and employee relations. Various factors influencing labour productivity were established, which comprised relevant task force, sufficient tools and equipment, conducive environment, and availability of materials. The respondents’ views concurred with the fact that HRM practices identified in this study have an effect on the labour productivity. Based on the findings of the investigation, it was therefore, concluded that “There is a direct relationship between Human Resource Management practices and labour productivity in the construction industry in Nairobi City County. Human labour which is the main factor of production in the construction process ought to be given the attention it deserves by ensuring that masonry employees are well taken care off in order to improve the productivity on construction sites. This can only be achieved by RESPONSIBILI TY KNOWHOW iii incorporating most of the human resource practices not being practised on construction sites such as recruitment & selection, training & development, performance & reward management, employee relations and employee engagement. Safety, health and welfare, the only practice that is being implemented on most construction sites should be further developed to ensure that all sites embrace it including small residential developments. Implementation of all these practices can only be enforced by the National Construction Authority if labour productivity in the construction industry in Nairobi City County, is to be improved. This success will cause a paradigm shift in the entire construction industry in Kenya from low labour productivity to high productivity.