Influence of subcontracting processes on wages and workloads in the building construction industry in Nigeria

Akinwale, A A and Olusanya, O A (2020) Influence of subcontracting processes on wages and workloads in the building construction industry in Nigeria. Journal of Construction Business and Management, 4(2), pp. 1-10. ISSN 2521-0165

Abstract

There is a paucity of information on the experience of subcontracted work despite the widespread use of subcontracting in the building construction industry. This study examined the influence of subcontracting processes on wages and workloads in the building construction industry in Nigeria. Data collection for the study was based on a cross-sectional research design with a survey research strategy, including a structured questionnaire and some key informant interviews. A sample of 908 subcontracted workers was randomly selected from 388 building construction sites in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data obtained from the structured questionnaire were subjected to descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while an ethnographic technique was used to analyze the data from the interviews. The regression results (Β = –0.046; ρ 0.05) showed that to some extent subcontracting processes significantly influenced workers' participation in wage determination; and that the regression results (Β = –0.040; ρ 0.05) revealed that to some extent subcontracting processes significantly influenced workers' participation in the determination of workloads in the building construction industry in Nigeria. Wages and workloads are inappropriate when the degree of influence of the subcontracting process on workers' participation in the determination of wages and workloads in the building construction industry is considered. These findings imply that working in a subcontracting system could promote the alienation of subcontracted workers from the determination of wages and workloads, thereby showing the need for adequate protection for the affected workers. Therefore, the subcontracted workers in Lagos state should strengthen their associations to achieve justice and decent work in the building construction industry.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Nigeria; subcontracting; interview; questionnaire survey; wages; workload
Index terms: questionnaire, building construction, strategy, survey, workload, justice, interview, wages, statistics, regression analysis, Lagos State, subcontracting system, subcontracting, research design, Nigeria
Subjects: management, Geography, building construction, business economics, statistical analysis, mathematical modelling, organization, research design and methodology, data collection methods, legal systems
Topics: Construction Technology, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Legal Issues
Descriptive scope: 4 PCEA

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