Labour-related Causes Controlling the Construction Efficiency in Sri Lankan Building Projects: The Viewpoint of Site Supervisors
Kesavan Manoharan, Pujitha Dissanayake, Chintha Pathirana, Dharsana Deegahawature and Renuka Silva
Abstract
Background: Workforce efficiency has a significant impact on the profitability of construction companies. Construction industry in Sri Lanka has been facing a wide range of labour-related issues that reduce the efficiency and productivity of construction operations. The construction supervisors play a key role in managing a variety of project-level procedures. This study attempted to measure the effects of labour-related causes on the efficiency of construction operations in Sri Lankan building projects.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the significant labour-related causes that influence the efficiency of construction projects. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 64 building construction firms in Sri Lanka. The Relative Importance Index (RII) approach was used to determine the impact level of each element. Additionally, a number of industry consultative discussions were held to assess the key actions necessary in the construction site management processes, in comparison with the identified essential variables.
Results: A total of 27 causes were found to be critical, where the top five ranking labour-related criteria were found to be lack of thinking abilities, lack of knowledge in construction works, communication problems, lack of labour morale/commitment and labour discipline. Through statistical testing, the validity and reliability of the study findings were confirmed.
Conclusions: The study findings will substantially help to modernise the present industry procedures to increase the overall productivity and efficiency. Although the study findings are restricted to the Sri Lankan settings, some of them might be applicable to other developing nations also.
Keywords: Building Construction, Labour Efficiency, Sri Lanka, Supervisory Perspectives