A confirmatory factor analysis of the challenges of effective management of construction workforce in South Africa
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 22 September 2021
Issue publication date: 4 July 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The South African construction industry (SACI) is a huge employer of labour as the industry depends mostly on human resources to carry out its activities. However, the industry has also been noted for its poor workforce management and lack of attention to human resource management (HRM) issues. Therefore, this study aims to assess the challenges facing the effective management of the construction workforce in South Africa with a view to improving HRM activities in the industry and improve overall service delivery through an effectively managed workforce.
Design/methodology/approach
A pragmatic philosophical view using a mixed-method research design was adopted. The study’s qualitative strand was achieved through a Delphi, whilst the quantitative strand was achieved through a questionnaire survey. In addition, descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean item score, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were adopted for data analysis.
Findings
With high reliability, construct validity and model fit indices, the study found that for effective HRM to be attained within construction organisations, careful attention must be given to issues surrounding the nature of the industry, unhealthy working environment, employee-related issues, diversity and working condition in the industry.
Originality/value
Whilst several studies have been conducted on HRM, there is a lack of studies on the major challenges facing effective HRM in the SACI. The findings also offer future research studies a good theoretical platform to build upon.
Keywords
Citation
Aghimien, L.M., Aigbavboa, C.O., Anumba, C.J. and Thwala, W.D. (2023), "A confirmatory factor analysis of the challenges of effective management of construction workforce in South Africa", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 1134-1152. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2021-0264
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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