Chaparro, D A; Ying, F J; Rotimi, F E and Egbelakin, T (2020) Commute and labour productivity: Investigation of inner city construction sites. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 18(5), pp. 1305-1319. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to identify the impact that commute patterns pose on construction labour productivity (CLP). There is limited research focussed on the impact of workforce transportation on productivity, even fewer in a construction environment. In particular, this study seeks to fill a gap in the understanding of how commute patterns may influence CLP. Design/methodology/approach: Key factors reported affecting CLP were identified through a comprehensive literature review. Data were collected from 27 interviews and observational evidence at construction sites on Auckland Central Business District (CBD). Findings: Shortage of skills, communication among workers, shirking behaviour, absenteeism and tardiness were perceived as the most critical labour productivity factors that are influenced by commute patterns. It is considered that stressful commutes may lead to shirking behaviours (absenteeism and calling sick). Meanwhile, ridesharing may encourage communication among workers. Research limitations/implications: The study was carried out in a central business district, focussing on a geographic area with its particular characteristics. The results, thus, may not be generalised in general urban settings. Originality/value: The research outcomes can be used as guidelines for companies considering travel plans for their employees, to minimise the negative impact commuting can have on workers, especially in industries with low productivity.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | commute pattern; construction productivity; inner city construction |
| Index terms: | productivity, labour productivity factor, construction productivity, labour productivity, investigation, construction labour, inner city, literature review, construction site, absenteeism, interview, evidence, methodology |
| Subjects: | research methods, management, land use and regional development, evaluation and assessment methods, data collection methods, operations management, work location, data analysis and analytics |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Project Management, Business Strategy, Human Resources, Urban Studies, Site Management |
| 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