INFLUENCE OF STAFFING METHODS ON CONSTRUCTION LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN ABUJA

Abstract

The construction industry (CI) contributes significantly to the overall GDP of every nation; therefore, no nation can grow its economy without the growth of the construction industry. Without effective labour productivity, no construction company can grow and this has been a thing of concerns over the years. The goals or objectives of any construction project may not be met unless labour productivity is enhanced. This study assessed the influence of staffing methods on construction labour productivity in Abuja. Quantitative research methodology was adopted involving the administration of structured questionnaire to a sample size of 284 drawn from a target population of 979. Time study method was also used to determine the productivity of Plaster of Paris (POP) workers and tilers of both contract and permanent staff workers on building construction sites in Abuja Metropolis. The data was analysed using mean ranking and factor analysis with the help of SPSS and Microsoft Excel Software’s. Findings show that two major staffing methods are used in the building construction sites in Abuja, which are contract staff and permanent staff. It was identified from the findings that the productivity of both the Tilers and POP workers of contract staff where better than that of the permanent staff of both the Tilers and POP workers. Out of 25 factors affecting the productivity of workers on site identified by the researcher 12 was found to be more pronounced on every site with a mean value of 3.5 and above. Also, from the finding 13 out of the 15 identified strategies for effective staffing methods seem to have been adopted by most of the construction firms in Abuja, though the two which have been majorly over looked borders much on the welfare of the workers which the researcher discovered from observation to be very instrumental to the workers productivity. In conclusion, two major staffing methods are commonly used in the building construction site in Abuja, the productivity of contract staff are better than permanent staff and should be considered when employing workers. The following factors must be given priority: wages, absenteeism, and incentive if you must see the best of any workers on site. Proper attention should be given to these strategies: enhance workers welfare and ensuring workers are pensionable, for a better output. The result of the study provides significant understanding that can support decision making on appropriate selection of the staffing methods most suitable for any construction work, putting into considerations, the knowledge of the available staffing methods, the factors affecting the productivity of workers on site, the difference in the productivity of contract and permanent staff on site and the various strategies for effective staffing methods.