Zhao, W; Peng, P; Liu, H; Wang, S and Liu, W (2025) How job satisfaction affects professionalization behavior of new-generation construction workers: A model based on theory of planned behavior. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(4), pp. 2672-2696. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the influence mechanism of new-generation construction workers (NGCWs)' job satisfaction on the professionalization behavior in China, through theory of planned behavior (TPB), and find the key path to promote the professionalization behavior of China's construction workers. Design/methodology/approach: A theoretical model of influence mechanism was established through literature research and theoretical deduction based on TPB and structural equation model. The scale of variables was developed, and an empirical study was employed with a sample of 823 NGCWs in China. Findings: The results indicate that job satisfaction can positively affect NGCWs' professionalization behavior. Subjective norm, attitude and perceived behavior control play mediating roles in the influence process. Job satisfaction is more likely to act on professionalization behavior through subjective norm and behavioral intention. Research limitations/implications: Research results sorely suggest a short-term law about the influence mechanism of NGCWs' job satisfaction on professionalization behavior through a questionnaire study from China's construction industry. Future research ought to continue to use a longitudinal study to examine it over a considerable amount of time. The results also need to be verified using data from young construction workers in other nations. Practical implications: This study provides a theoretical basis and feasible management reference for government and construction enterprises in China to promote NGCWs' professionalization behavior from the perspective of job satisfaction. Furthermore, the promotion of NGCWs' job satisfaction and professionalization behavior can do good to building industrialization, sustainable development and high-quality transformation of labor force in the construction industry. Originality/value: This paper demonstrates the positive influence of job satisfaction on professionalization behavior of NGCWs and finds the most effective affecting path. It fills the research gap about the influence mechanism of job satisfaction on young construction workers' professionalization behavior and enriches the theoretical system of planned behavior of construction workers.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction management; influence mechanism; job satisfaction; new generation of construction workers; professionalization; theory of planned behavior |
| Index terms: | China, behaviour control, methodology, questionnaire, industrialization, sustainable development, labour force, professionalization, construction worker, subjective norm, construction industry, planned behaviour, empirical study, structural equation model, job satisfaction, transformation, promotion |
| Subjects: | practitioner, social justice, behavioral psychology, economic development, research methods, Geography, health safety and environment, data collection methods, business, sociology, industry analysis, statistical analysis, management, economics |
| Topics: | Supply Chain Management, Ethics, Sustainability, Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Human Resources, Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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