Rotimi, F E; Rotimi, J O B; Silva, C W C; Olatunji, O A and Ramanayaka, C E D (2023) The determinants of job satisfaction amongst specific migrant construction workers. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 13(5), pp. 738-755. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: Migrant construction workers, significant in many developed economies, face several challenges, which place them at a higher risk of job dissatisfaction compared to locals. Therefore, this study investigates the determinants of job satisfaction amongst a specific group of migrant construction workers, who hold temporary work visas (TWVs) in New Zealand (NZ). Design/methodology/approach: An explanatory research approach was used to investigate the determinants of job satisfaction identified through the literature review. Data were collected through a structured survey administered to 200 Chinese migrants on TWVs (short stays) working on selected major projects in the Auckland region. Data analysis involved T-test and structural equation modelling (SEM) of 102 valid questionnaire responses. Findings: The study highlights the importance of providing opportunities for knowledge advancement and career progression for migrant construction workers to improve their job satisfaction. The results found that Chinese migrant construction workers are generally satisfied with their jobs and would extend their stay if job opportunities are provided. The results confirm that remuneration and opportunities for knowledge advancement and career progression lead to increased job satisfaction, while loneliness decreases job satisfaction. The opportunities for knowledge advancement and career progression triggered more satisfaction than remuneration. Originality/value: The research result provides a useful knowledge base for understanding the determinants of job satisfaction amongst Chinese migrant construction workers with TWVs. These findings have implications for employment management practices within the construction industry and could enhance immigration information policies and other recruitment agencies' approaches to sourcing overseas workers for the NZ construction industry.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Chinese; construction workforce; job satisfaction; migrant workers; New Zealand |
| Index terms: | recruitment, construction industry, determinant, construction worker, agency, migrant worker, questionnaire, temporary work, methodology, management practice, career, major project, job satisfaction, survey, employment, face, literature review, structural equation modelling, New Zealand, data analysis, satisfaction, knowledge base |
| Subjects: | practitioner, data collection methods, risk assessment, data analysis and analytics, strategic project management, project delivery, psychology, operations management, Geography, professional development, management, research methods, industry analysis, information systems, statistical analysis, sociology |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Risk Management, Business Strategy, Information Management, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Site Management, Organizational Design, Digital Applications, International Construction, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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