Perception of quality of working life and the related factors: a study of women workers in construction industry

The present investigation was planned to study quality of working life (QWL) among women workers in the unorganised construction industry and an attempt was made to relate QWL with background variables, work-related variables, general awareness, attitude towards education, performance level and need fulfilment. The measuring instruments for the aforesaid variables were either developed or modified versions were adopted, based on informal interviews with women workers. 220 women construction workers were selected randomly from 22 different construction sites in five zones of Delhi for face-to-face interview. The performance level was assessed by 22 immediate supervisors. Appropriate uni-, bi- and multi-variate statistical techniques were used for data analysis. Looking to the paucity of data and relevant research evidences, seven null hypotheses were framed for all the variables under investigation, Hypothesis I which stated no relation existed between background variables with QWL, was largely accepted as none of the variables predicted QWL, however, migration category, educational status and per-capita family income were found related to QWL. Hypothesis II stated that no relationship existed between work-related variables and QWL, was also accepted as only one variable i.e. willingness to become skilled worker, was found to predict QWL. However, this variable and cooperation from co-workers were found related to QWL. Hypothesis III, which stated that no relationship existed between QWL and living conditions variables, was accepted as none of the variables were either predictive or related to QWL, Hypothesis IV stated that general awareness was not related to QWL was accepted as it was neither found predictive nor related to QWL. However, high and low QWL groups significantly differed each other. Hypothesis V indicated that attitude towards education was not related to QWL, was found true. Attitude towards education was neither predictive or related to QWL. The high and low QWL groups did not differ significantly. Hypothesis VI stated no relationship of QWL with performance level dimensions was rejected as all the fourteen variables were found significantly related and physical strength, perfection in work, understand the job and overcoming problems independently were found as predictor variables of QWL. Hypothesis VII stated that need fulfilment was not related to QWL, was also reject ed as all the five needs, i.e, basic security, belonging, esteem and self-actualization needs were significantly related to QWL, first four needs were also found predictive of QWL. On the basis of the findings, implications of the study were discussed and further suggestions for research made.