Cherkos, F. D. and Shuka, J. K. (2026) Human resource management practices for successful performance of construction companies: Unveiling hierarchical importance and interplay. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(7), pp. 1113-1133. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
Performance of construction companies is greatly influenced by human capital-related factors. This research identifies critical success practices for human resource management in construction, an area that has been insufficiently explored in previous studies, particularly regarding the interrelationships between these factors. Existing literature often overlooks how less critical factors influence the significance of more critical ones. Through a literature review and expert recommendations, 23 human capital-related factors were identified. An integrated methodology, including the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), MICMAC analysis, and Quadrant Analysis, was employed to evaluate the importance and interrelationships of these factors. Findings revealed that performance management and human resource planning factors rank lower in a ten-layer structure, while health and safety, along with human resource planning, received the highest importance weights. ISM analysis showed complex interdependencies among critical factors such as top management support and systematic planning. MICMAC analysis categorized these factors by their driving power and dependence, highlighting that factors like regular human resource planning and job security are essential for successful project outcomes. The quadrant analysis pinpointed key factors, including clearly defining project goals and providing structured training, which significantly impact the human resource management activities that contribute to overall project success.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | analytical hierarchy process; construction companies performance; critical success practices; human resource management; interpretive structural modeling; interrelationship |
| Index terms: | performance management, construction company, analytical hierarchy process, human resource management, project success, methodology, human resource, health and safety, interpretive structural modelling, human capital, project outcome, top management, literature review, critical factor |
| Subjects: | economics, decision-making and optimization, data analysis and analytics, performance measurement, research methods, project completion, organization, project management theory and practice, health safety and environment, risk assessment, management |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Human Resources, Quality Management, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Project Management, Organizational Design, Health and Safety |
| 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