Rotimi, J O B; Ramanayaka, C D E; Olatunji, O A and Rotimi, F E (2023) Migrant construction workers' demography and job satisfaction: A new zealand study. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(3), pp. 1122-1145. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The demand for construction-related occupations has increased consistently over many years in New Zealand (NZ). This has necessitated recourse to migrant workers to address capacity and capability requirements. Migrant construction workers hail from various backgrounds with a complex set of their needs being met through employment in NZ. Research on understanding the satisfaction levels of this category of construction workers is scarce. With recent insinuations about migrant exploitations, research investigations into this knowledge area are significant. In this study, the authors sought to establish the moderating effect of migrants' demography on the determinants of job satisfaction in NZ's construction sector. Design/methodology/approach: Data were obtained from migrant construction workers of Chinese extraction through a structured questionnaire survey. From 200 questionnaires administered, 108 samples were completed by migrant construction workers involved in major projects in Auckland city, NZ. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to establish the moderating effects of their demography on job satisfaction. Findings: Results from this study support the internal validity and reliability of these personal characteristics as moderators of job satisfaction for migrant construction workers. These results suggest the relevance of personal characteristics of Chinese migrants in any improvement initiatives being developed for this group of construction workers. Research limitations/implications: The findings from this study contribute to the discourse on the relevance of construction migrants as a strategic alternative to addressing skill shortages within the NZ construction sector. They also provide evidence that contributes to an improved understanding of the migrant workforce to meet their aspirations and enhance their general well-being. Originality/value: Although the study is ethnic-specific, the conclusions show the relevance of personal characteristics in the experiences of construction migrant workers. The study is representative of the catchment of temporary migrant workers in the construction industry in NZ. The study provides insights for organisations employing migrants about putting in place appropriate measures to enhance their satisfaction levels. Finally, this study's findings may contribute to policy initiatives on the optimal categories of migrants engaged on construction activities to derive the maximum benefits for NZ.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction workers; demography; job satisfaction; migrant workers |
| Index terms: | well-being, methodology, migrant worker, evidence, questionnaire, construction sector, skill shortage, occupation, demography, survey, investigation, determinant, construction industry, statistics, construction worker, New Zealand, satisfaction, employment, construction activity, job satisfaction, validity, major project, exploitation |
| Subjects: | demography, sociology, industry analysis, management, research methods, Geography, construction operations, strategic project management, project delivery, risk assessment, evaluation and assessment methods, data collection methods, mental health and wellbeing, mathematical modelling, practitioner |
| Topics: | International Construction, Human Resources, Urban Studies, Site Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Risk Management, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here