Factors Affecting the Labour Productivity in Construction Projects of Pakistan

Construction projects are considered crucial in every developed and developing country from the perspective of economic and social development. Thus, it is mandatory to achieve successful completion of the project. Efficient production is one of the significant criteria in ensuring the success of projects. An efficient production, labour productivity is considered an important aspect. Labour productivity is affected by several factors which are essential to study for productivity improvements. Since in Pakistan, labour productivity is one of the least studied areas within the construction industry. Hence, this paper focused on determining the common factors which have influenced the labour productivity. A survey among the construction practitioners included 33 identified factors from literature. A total of 150 questionnaire forms were distributed, and only 54 completed data forms were received back. These forms were used to analyse statistically using frequency analysis with SPSS software and weighted average (WA) calculation with Microsoft Excel application. The results indicated 1 factor as very often occurring, and other 32 factors were reported as often occurring during construction works while WA value for significance revealed that there are seven factors which have extremely significant while other 26 factors lie in the category of very significant. Those seven dominating factors reported as extremely significant are the misuse of schedule, the increase of labourer age, weather changes, tool and equipment shortages, violation of safety precautions, working seven days per week without taking a holiday and lack of financial motivation system.