Exploring the influence of management style on job satisfaction: The case of construction companies in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The objectives of this study are twofold. The first and main objective is to establish whether a correlation exists between the management style within construction companies in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and employee job satisfaction, and if so, what the implications are for the level of job satisfaction in the overall work situation. The second is to identify those factors that have a direct impact on productivity. In order to determine whether an empirically provable relationship exists between management style and job satisfaction and productivity, and if so what that relationship means, the study was conducted using a mixed methods approach involving the use of questionnaires, interviews, observations, and focus group work with managers (12) and employees (125) working at ten construction companies in Abu Dhabi.Analysis of the data revealed a significant correlation between management style and job satisfaction. Specifically, the practice of authoritarian management produced dissatisfaction among employees with their jobs, and consequently, lowered their performance and productivity. Hence, based on the responses from the research sample, the study concludes that the low levels of employee job satisfaction are predominantly related to the adverse managerial styles experienced by employees. The existence of a clear link between managerial styles and employees’ job dissatisfaction and performance was absolutely evident, and from this finding it can be asserted that in the case of the Abu Dhabi construction industry, it is the managerial styles adopted rather than other factors such as job security or wages, that determine job satisfaction and performance levels. Further findings drawn from the points discussed within the literature review link with the research analysis, suggesting that managers should be adaptable in their involvement with employees and seek to engage productively with them.The study hypotheses which argue that management styles do affect the way employees carry out their work are supported by the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Therefore, the study recommends the redesign of Human Resource practices, specifically in relation to managerial styles as a means of increasing the level of employee job satisfaction within the Abu Dhabi construction industry. That said, it is acknowledged that whilst the study undoubtedly emphasises the importance of management style, it may take a long time for managers in Abu Dhabi constructive companies to learn the right styles to manage effectively. Such a shift to productive management may be hampered since managers have different preferences and personalities that predispose their response and some may not take positively to those managerial styles that are identified as necessary.