Barriers to adoption of work–life balance practices amongst construction companies in Lagos, Nigeria: An exploratory factor analysis

Osuizugbo, I C; Oshodi, O S; Kukoyi, P O; Lawani, A O and Onokwai, A O (2025) Barriers to adoption of work–life balance practices amongst construction companies in Lagos, Nigeria: An exploratory factor analysis. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(3), pp. 1643-1669. ISSN 0969-9988

Abstract

Purpose: The current study seeks to investigate and determine the principal barriers to the adoption of work–life balance (WLB) practices amongst construction companies operating in the developing countries using Lagos, Nigeria as a case study. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopts a survey research technique. Snowball sampling technique was adopted to identify the target respondents for the administration of questionnaire. A total of 156 questionnaires were distributed and a response rate of 66% (103 questionnaires were completely filled and returned) was attained. Data elicited were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The results from the exploratory factors analysis show that the principal barriers to the adoption of WLB practices amongst construction companies in Lagos, Nigeria are categorised into four components: nature of construction job and limited evidence on impact of WLB, support, awareness and culture, lack of involvement of management staff and organisational factors. Originality/value: This study contributed to more effective WLB studies by highlighting the barriers to the adoption of WLB practices in the construction sector. An understanding of these barriers can aid policy makers and management personnel in construction organisations as well as facilitate development of strategies required to reduce the barriers to WLB practices in the construction sector.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: adoption; barriers; construction companies; exploratory factor analysis; Nigeria; work–life balance; questionnaire survey
Index terms: exploratory factor analysis, personnel, developing country, construction company, survey, strategy, questionnaire, evidence, methodology, construction sector, case study, organizational factor, construction organization, Nigeria, management staff, sampling, Lagos, statistics
Subjects: industry analysis, statistical analysis, management, data collection methods, business, mathematical modelling, research methods, Geography, development economics, evaluation and assessment methods, organization
Topics: Research Practice, Business Strategy, Human Resources, International Construction, Organizational Design, Geographical Context
Descriptive scope: 5 PCTEA

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