Framework of motivation factors on labour productivity in Iskandar Malaysia

Abstract

Iskandar Malaysia is the main development corridor in Johor, the southern state of Malaysia. The ultimate goal of Iskandar Malaysia is to be a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing by the year 2025. High labour productivity is one of the key criteria for the facilitation and realisation of the Iskandar Malaysia vision. Labour productivity is measured by the unit of output per unit of labour. Previous studies have reported that the labour productivity of Iskandar Malaysia construction projects was six times lower than the labour productivity of Singapore construction projects. This was due to lack of motivation among the Iskandar Malaysia construction labourers. Therefore, there is a need to study how to motivate Iskandar Malaysia construction labourers, so as to increase their productivity. This study adapted the Model for Continuous Improvement of Construction Productivity (MCICP) in order to develop a motivation framework that will enhance labour productivity of Iskandar Malaysia construction projects. A mixed method approach was used to collect data from Iskandar Malaysia construction skilled labourers and construction professionals, using questionnaire and interview. The study used purposive sampling technique in selecting the respondents. Forty skilled labourers and sixty two construction professionals responded to the questionnaire survey, and another ten construction professionals (site supervisors) were interviewed using semi-structured interview method. The data from questionnaire and interview were analysed using SPSS software (version 22) and thematic content analysis respectively. After the analysis, the major factors that motivate labourers participating in Iskandar Malaysia construction projects were identified, and ranked hierarchically using Relative Importance Index (RII). The outcome of the ranking indicated that effective management, viable construction practices, financial incentives, continuous training and development, and safe working environment were the most significant motivation strategies that positively influence Iskandar Malaysia construction labourers. Based on the major motivation factors, the study developed a framework that can be used to boost the morale of Iskandar Malaysia construction labourers, so that their productivity can be increased. Implementation of the established motivation framework will also lead to career progression of Iskandar Malaysia construction labourers, based on the training elements in the framework. This career prospect will attract local skilled labourers to participate in Iskandar Malaysia construction projects.