Assessment of Motivational Strategies to Improve Productivity in Nigerian Construction Industry.

Abstract

Motivation is considered as an important tool for enhancing worker’s productivity. Construction sector is not an exception. It has been empirically established that motivation has positive impact on construction worker’s productivity. Moreover, empirical studies have shown that productivity in the sector has been decreasing globally. This study therefore aimed to assess motivational techniques employed by construction firms to achieve productivity in their work places. Quantitative research design was employed using a well-structured questionnaire self-administered across contracting firms to assess the perception and understanding of the construction professionals on the motivational techniques employed by construction firms to achieve productivity in their work places. A total of one hundred and forty questionnaires were distributed and one hundred and ten received, which constitutes 78 percent success rate. Relative Importance Index (RII) was used for the various ranking on motivation strategies and tables were used to present demographic data of respondents. The ranking of motivational techniques revealed the topmost factors that influence Motivation of construction professionals are Job security, Salary paid by the company, Promotions, Training and development to enhance skills and ability to improve performance, Rewards that are linked to performance and Working conditions and conducive work environment, with their relative R11 above 0.85. The study also established the effectiveness of motivational techniques in enhancing productivity of construction professional. The highly effective techniques are Job security salary paid by the company, Promotions, Training and development to enhance skills and ability to improve performance, promotions, bonus and ability to participate in decision making. All these techniques were rated above 0.85. The study recommended that the construction industry should perhaps base their motivation strategies around these preferred motivators.