O'Neill, T; McMahon, E; Spillane, J P and Bradley, J G (2023) Conflict as a contributory factor in built environment: Apprenticeship completion in the Republic of Ireland. In: Tutesigensi, A and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 39th Annual ARCOM Conference, 4-6 September 2023, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Abstract
The adversarial, conflict-stricken environment in which the construction sector operates, has long been noted by practitioners and academics alike. This high-tension environment is often noted as an inhibitor in the recruitment and/or retention of labour. Apprenticeships are an essential source of labour for the Irish construction industry; there are 66 apprenticeships available, 8 of which are directly involved in the built environment. These include apprentices in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. As part of a wider research plan into apprenticeship completion rates, the relationship between organisational conflict and apprenticeship completion is investigated. 75 questionnaires are completed at Phase 6 of training within an education centre. Participants are allowed to detail their experience with organisational conflict and the influence in which it has on their apprenticeship. The findings indicate that 64% have experienced organisational conflict within their profession, with 20% admitting it caused them to question their career choice. These findings will allow for increased ability to manage and mitigate the influence of organisational conflict on apprenticeships, with the goal of increasing completion rates, which are currently at 70%.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | adversarial; conflict; construction; vocational education; quantitative |
| Index terms: | retention, contributory factor, practitioner, built environment, questionnaire, career, apprenticeship, profession, Ireland, recruitment, plumbing, construction industry, construction sector, vocational education |
| Subjects: | practitioner, institututions, risk assessment, data collection methods, mechanical systems, Geography, professional development, management, infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis, professional education |
| Topics: | Education, Human Resources, Design Practice, Urban Studies, Roles and Professions, Risk Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Information Management |
| 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