English, J (2002) The communication problems experienced by workforce on site, and their possible solutions. Journal of Construction Research, 3(2), pp. 311-321. ISSN 1609-9451
Abstract
Construction industries in developing countries need to shift perceptions to include other ethnic groups. Differences in perceptions result in miscommunication and have these consequences: (i) misinterpretation of messages and resentment arising form behaviour that is inappropriate to the worker's culture; (ii) different ethnic groups avoiding contact with each other because of inter-cultural tensions; and (iii) poor efficiency. A study was undertaken in South Africa in which groups of construction site workforce were trained in communication skills with an accent on cross cultural communication. After the training, participants were interviewed to complete the sourcing of data on behaviour changes. Results showed an improved ability in trainees to cooperate.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication; ethnicity; cultural differences; management; training |
| Index terms: | ethnic group, efficiency, communication skill, construction industry, construction site, cultural difference, behaviour change, developing country, South Africa |
| Subjects: | work location, industry analysis, performance management, management, cross-cultural studies, demography, behavioral psychology, development economics, Geography |
| Topics: | Geographical Context, Quality Management, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Site Management, International Construction, Urban Studies |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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