Petersen, S H; Frederiksen, N and Bronke, J (2024) Making meaning of the piecework system. In: Thomson, C (ed.) Proceedings of 40th Annual ARCOM Conference, 2-4 September 2024, London South Bank University, UK.
Abstract
Piecework is often considered a means to enhance performance in construction. Unlike a fixed hourly wage, workers are paid based on units produced or tasks performed, and at first glance, the relationship between piecework and performance might seem linear. However, the piecework system can be considered both a field-level construct negotiated by professional associations and trade unions, and an organisational-level means for organising, conducting, and remunerating construction activities. As such, it can be understood in multiple ways depending on the perspective from which the system is viewed. Drawing on insights from neo-institutional theory and organisational culture theory, the purpose of this study is to establish a multi-level understanding of the piecework system, considering both institutional and cultural factors. The empirical material is based on ethnographic data collected in a construction company division that manufactures prefabricated units. The study adds to construction management research with new insights into how meanings about the piecework system are mutually shaped by prevailing notions in the organisational field as well as the organisational culture. It also explains why these are difficult to reconcile in practice.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | ethnography; meaning systems; neo-institutional theory; organisational culture theory; piecework |
| Index terms: | meaning, construction activity, ethnography, institutional theory, construction company, organizational culture, drawing, management research, trade union |
| Subjects: | research design and methodology, organization, qualitative and interpretive research, sociology, construction operations, technical documentation |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Design Practice, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Site 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