Do new-generation construction professionals be provided what they desire at work? A study on work values and supplies–values fit

Abstract

Purpose

The declining attractiveness of construction industry to the new-generation onsite construction professionals (OCPs) in China can be the result of insufficient supply of what they desire at work. There is a lack of studies that make clear the work values of this cohort and the fit between their work value preferences and job supplies. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focused on Chinese new-generation OCPs. Work values and job supplies were measured by two rounds of questionnaire surveys. Factor analysis was implemented to identify work value types. Paired samples t-test, independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were performed to figure out work value preferences and degree of supplies–values (S-V) fit and compare them across subgroups.

Findings

Intrinsic, “good time”, work-team-related, altruistic/prestigious and extrinsic work value types were identified. Chinese new-generation OCPs most valued work-team-related and intrinsic work aspects, while significant insufficient supply was relevant to intrinsic, extrinsic and “good time” aspects. Work value preferences and S-V fit showed significant differences among subgroups of gender, growth background, work rank and project type.

Practical implications

The results provide insights for construction companies to practice work-value-based human resource management toward new-generation OCPs and make targeted measures to address the misfit between supplies and values experienced by these OCPs.

Originality/value

This study for the first time examined work values of Chinese new-generation OCPs. It opens a new perspective for research based on S-V fit theory that focused on industry level. The effects of demographic and professional variables on the work values and the degree of S-V fit were revealed. This study thus contributes to the extant literature of work values and S-V fit.

Citation

Song, Z., Yang, F., Boezeman, E.J. and Li, X. (2020), "Do new-generation construction professionals be provided what they desire at work? A study on work values and supplies–values fit", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 27 No. 10, pp. 2835-2858. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2019-0619