An Empirical Investigation of Factors Affecting Construction Sector Labour Productivity in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The construction industry plays a strategic role in developing countries like Zimbabwe. This research seeks to empirically determine the main factors affecting construction labour productivity in Zimbabwe. Questionnaires comprising of structured and unstructured questions were used to for data collection. The research employed heterogeneous sampling to select the target population, and fifty (50) questionnaires were completed and analyzed. Using a simple ordinal scale, based on a 5-point Likert Scale; contractors, consultants and professionals expressed their views on the relative importance of twenty-two (22) pre-selected factors on construction labour productivity. Data was analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII). The results show that late and or non-payment of wages and salaries, suitability and/or adequacy of capital, non-payment to suppliers, availability of experienced labour as well as education and training are amongst the top thirteen (13) most important factors impinging construction labour productivity in Zimbabwe. Timeous payment of salaries and wages as well as investment in staff training and development are amongst the recommended intervention strategies to improve construction labour productivity in Zimbabwe.

Keywords: Construction Industry, Environmental Factors, Incentive Factors, Management Factors, Manpower Factors, Rank, Relative Importance Index (RII)

JEL Classification: D24, F16, J31, J41, J53, J81, L74