Antecedents of noise pollution control behaviour of employees of construction companies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mekhala Kaluarachchi ◽  
K.G.A.S. Waidyasekara ◽  
Raufdeen Rameezdeen

PurposeConstruction activities generate noise that is harmful to workers and the neighbouring community. Engineering control methods are often used for its control which are expensive and limited in effectiveness. This study aims to investigate factors that affect employee behaviour and how it could be used by construction companies to manage noise pollution on sites.Design/methodology/approachNorm Activation Model (NAM) is used to investigate the relationship between attitudes and behaviour of site-based employees using a questionnaire survey administered in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The responses were analysed using structural equation modelling to discern behavioural patterns and how it differs between managers and workers.FindingsThe results showed that behaviour of site employees could be influenced when they are aware of the consequences of noise pollution and take responsibility for its control. Personal norm of an employee and company's environmental behaviour are found to influence the behaviour in a positive manner.Practical implicationsConstruction companies should focus more on how to harness their employee's behaviour in order to reduce noise pollution on sites. Employees should be made aware of consequences of noise pollution and feel responsible for their actions through training, awareness campaigns, signage and so on.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by building a theoretical model of employee noise control behaviour in construction organizations and empirically testing it among managers and workers. It compares the differences between these two groups which enhances one’s understanding of behavioural control methods when applied in a construction project setting. The study also evaluates the effects of company's environmental behaviour on employee behaviour.

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 1289-1302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pirjo Honkanen ◽  
James A. Young

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of determinants of consumers’ buying intentions for sustainable seafood. Design/methodology/approach – Survey data from 755 representative respondents in the UK were collected. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. The theory of planned behaviour was used as a framework for the analysis, with an additional variable, personal norm, which seems to be especially relevant for environmental behaviour. Findings – The results confirmed the expected relationships: the motivation to buy sustainable seafood is increased by a positive attitude towards buying sustainable seafood, perceived pressure from important others such as family, friends and colleagues, and by a strong moral obligation. Attitude towards buying sustainable seafood was the strongest predictor of intention found in the study. To reach a goal of consumers placing greater emphasis upon purchasing more sustainable seafood, both attitudinal and normative messages could be used. Further implications of the findings and the scope for further research are discussed. Research limitations/implications – The study is correlational in nature, thus limiting the causal inferences that can be made from the results. It does, however, help to explain the relationships in explored in the model. Originality/value – This paper addresses the issue of motivation to buy sustainable seafood which has not received much attention in literature, but is an important issue for anyone trying to increase consumer sustainable behaviour.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Akunyumu ◽  
Frank D.K. Fugar ◽  
Emmanuel Adinyira

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the readiness of construction companies in Ghana to partner with foreign companies in international construction joint ventures (ICJVs). Design/methodology/approach Using the Verify End-User e-Readiness using a Diagnostic Tool (VERDICT) model, a survey with 31 construction companies was conducted to assess their readiness through four pre-defined elements of readiness. Findings The results indicated the readiness of construction companies to collaborate with potential foreign partners in ICJVs. Notwithstanding, certain areas such as management commitment to change, employee buy-in, process flexibility and technology infrastructure need improvement in some firms to achieve readiness. Government has a role in ensuring the readiness of domestic firms for the international market. Originality/value This study applies the VERDICT model, a tool originally designed to assess construction organizations’ readiness for e-commerce, to assess the readiness of Ghanaian construction companies for ICJVs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 1291-1310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Chakraborty ◽  
Manvendra Pratap Singh ◽  
Mousumi Roy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of university in shaping pro-environmental behaviour in students. Design/methodology/approach The paper used goal-framing theory to investigate the relationship between goals and pro-environmental behaviour by comparing the responses of entry- and exit-level students. Structural equation modeling, one-way analysis of variance and other standard statistical analysis have been used to analyse the data collected through questionnaire survey in a central university offering technical education in India. Findings Pro-environmental intention in students increases with a strong normative goal. The direct and indirect effects indicate hedonic goal and gain goal via normative goal leads to better pro-environmental behaviour. Higher values for normative goal in exit-level students substantiates the role of university. Practical implications The paper provides scope to improvise and incorporate environmental practices into the habits of the students by aligning their goals and university dimensions including curriculum, campus operations, research and outreach activities. Originality/value The results make an important contribution in establishing a sustained green culture by offering a new university paradigm.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinedu Obi ◽  
Fabio Bartolini ◽  
Marijke D’Haese

Purpose This paper aims to explore the connectivity between social media use, access to migrant networks, information asymmetry and migration intentions. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted using data from individuals living in Nigeria and analysed with a generalized structural equation model, which is rare for this kind of research. Findings The authors find a dual mediating role of the social media and the migrant networks in facilitating migration, i.e. reducing the threshold cost required to migrate and introducing a bias in terms of information asymmetry. While social media and access to migrant networks directly increase migration intentions, this changes when incomplete information is provided. People who use social media and their migrant networks for information are more likely to have information about destination countries than information on the transit risk. Social implications The study adds valuable insights for designing awareness campaigns aimed at reducing irregular migration. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of the intersection of migration and digitalization


2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yatish Joshi ◽  
Zillur Rahman

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that predict green purchase behaviour of young educated consumers in Delhi. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was carried out on a sample of 1,502 young educated consumers. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the predictive power of considered variables towards green purchasing. Findings – Results indicate that the variables under study predicted green purchase behaviour of young educated consumers of Delhi in the following descending order: social influence, attitude towards green purchase, perceived environmental knowledge, recycling participation, ecolabelling and exposure to environmental messages through the media. Research limitations/implications – The sample considered in the study was restricted to Delhi only. Further, the predictive power of only a few variables was examined. Practical implications – The paper identifies key predictors of consumers’ green purchase behaviour, enabling practitioners to understand which factors influence young educated consumers in their decision making regarding green purchases. This knowledge will help marketing managers design effective strategies to encourage green purchase behaviour among such consumers. Social implications – Policy makers and government organizations may use the findings of this study to run awareness campaigns for disseminating information and promoting green purchase behaviour among larger sections of society. Such initiatives may help in minimizing the negative consequences of irresponsible consumption practices on environment and society. Originality/value – The present study is the first which applies reciprocal deterministic theory to predict green purchase behaviour of educated young consumers in India. Moreover, this is the first study to investigate the influence of consumers’ exposure to environmental messages through the media on their green purchase behaviour.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Kashedul Wahab Tuhin ◽  
Mahadi Hasan Miraz ◽  
Md. Mamun Habib ◽  
Md. Mahbub Alam

Purpose This study aims to determine direct and indirect ways of strengthening consumer’s halal buying behaviour. For this, the researchers explore the role of religiosity and consumers’ personal norms on consumers’ attitudes and halal buying behaviour. The study also reconnoiters the mediating role of consumer attitudes. Design/methodology/approach With a structured questionnaire, a survey was conducted to collect data on consumer attitudes, personal norms and halal buying behaviour. Finally, 229 valid questioners were retained for data analysis. The structural equation modelling technique was used for data analysis using SmartPLS 3.0 software. Findings The result of this study suggests that consumers’ attitude towards halal purchase depends on consumers’ personal norms and religiosity. Further, the role of consumer attitudes and religiosity on the halal buying behaviour of consumers is significant. However, the personal norm is not a significant predictor of halal buying behaviour. Consumer attitudes mediate the relationships between personal norms and halal buying behaviour, as well as religiosity and halal buying behaviour. Research limitations/implications The findings of the present study indicate that consumers’ personal norms and religiosity are the important determinants of consumer attitude and behaviour towards halal purchase. Marketers of halal products and services should focus on strengthening consumers’ attitudes and religiosity to influence consumer behaviour towards halal purchase. Originality/value In light of recent research studies on the halal purchase, the present research finds the essential predictors of consumers’ halal purchase attitude and behaviour. The study also reveals that consumer attitude is an important role in strengthening halal buying behaviour, as it has both direct and indirect impact halal buying behaviour.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 205-226
Author(s):  
Bon-Gang Hwang ◽  
Xiaojing Zhao ◽  
Jane Lim

Purpose Green building is a promising approach to improve resource efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The success of green construction projects is closely associated with the performance of project managers (PMs), while job satisfaction plays a major role in the performance of PMs. However, the emphasis placed on the job satisfaction of PMs in green construction projects remains minimal. The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationships between the job satisfaction of PMs and its key influencing factors in green construction projects, and to propose feasible strategies to improve the job satisfaction of PMs. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey is conducted, data collected from 105 construction PMs are analysed using structural equation modelling. Interviews with five industry experts are further conducted to substantiate the results. Findings The results identified four major components of job satisfaction, namely, “job content”, “resource adequacy”, “work context” and “the personality and competence of jobholders”. The analysis also found that “technical requirement” and “split incentive” condition of green construction projects, “the expertise and awareness of PMs” and “demand and support from stakeholders” has significant impacts on PMs’ job satisfaction. Furthermore, this study developed eight strategies to improve PMs’ job satisfaction, including “increase recognition opportunities for PMs”, “government incentives and financial support” and “introductory and training courses on green construction legislation and processes”. Originality/value The findings assist construction companies in formulating measures to improve the job satisfaction and performance of PMs in green construction projects.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 759-777 ◽  
Author(s):  
The Ninh Nguyen ◽  
Antonio Lobo ◽  
Steven Greenland

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how consumers’ altruistic values influence their personal norms, environmental attitudes, subjective norms and perceived barriers, all of which in turn influence their pro-environmental behaviour (i.e. the purchase of energy efficient household appliances). Design/methodology/approach This research follows a hypothetic-deductive approach. A unique conceptual model examines the role of consumers’ altruistic values in relation to their environmentally responsible purchase behaviour. Structured questionnaires were administered to randomly selected Vietnamese consumers who visited busy electronics and appliance specialist stores, which yielded 682 usable responses. Findings Structural equation modelling revealed that consumers’ altruistic values tend to positively influence their personal norms, environmental attitudes, subjective norms and mitigate their perceived barriers in relation to the purchase of energy efficient appliances. Practical implications Marketers, policymakers and sustainability campaigners should develop relevant communication and education programmes that emphasise the importance of purchasing energy efficient appliances for the environment and society, arousing consumers’ sense of moral obligation and societal responsibility to purchase such products. They should also provide a convenient and easily accessible shopping environment for consumers. Originality/value This research makes an important contribution by presenting and testing a new altruistic-values-based model that seeks to understand consumers’ environmentally responsible purchase behaviour. This model could serve as a blueprint for future studies in the domain of pro-environmental behaviour, especially those in emerging markets.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 31-33

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The construction industry is arguably one of the most competitive, no more so than in South Africa. Understanding how organizational characteristics can mediate between competitive strategy and performance allows for the potential of improving how construction organizations form themselves, to gain a competitive advantage. Oynekunle et al. (2016) have looked at 72 large construction companies in South Africa, looking to identify what aspects have the greatest influence on performance, and how to make construction organizations more robust in such a turbulent market place. While much is dependent on individual approaches to management style and structuring in an organization, it is possible to identify ways in which any organization can boost performance and beat the competition. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Bowen ◽  
Rajen Govender ◽  
Peter Edwards ◽  
Keith Cattell

Purpose – Prevalence of HIV/AIDS infection in the South African construction industry exceeds that of most other economic sectors. Voluntary counselling and testing is pivotal in combatting the spread of the disease. Little is known about the attitudinal fear of testing among construction workers, and the determinants thereof. The purpose of this paper is to address these shortcomings. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual integrated model of fear of testing is proposed. Demographic characteristics and behavioural and cognitive factors are posited to explain attitudinal fear of testing. Regression analysis and structural equation modelling are used to test the model, using data gathered from 512 site-based participants in a questionnaire survey. Findings – Prejudice and lifestyle risk are the terminal predictors of fear of testing. Prejudice is determined by education level and HIV/AIDS transmission knowledge. Knowledge is predicted by education level and ethnicity. Lifestyle risk is determined by age, gender, harmful substance use, and knowledge. Harmful substance use is determined by age, gender, ethnicity, and employment type. The inter-relationship between knowledge about HIV/AIDS, prejudice towards HIV+ persons, and fear of testing is complex and nuanced. Practical implications – Intervention strategies by firms should positively address attitudinal fear of testing. Employers should ensure that effective communication is established with workers. Interventions relating to harmful substance use by employees need particular attention. Awareness campaigns should be sensitive to ethnic and cultural values, and to inter-generational differences. Originality/value – Harmful substance use and knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission are indirect predictors of fear of testing. Education and ethnicity are critical dimensions of knowledge. The complex inter-relationship between knowledge, prejudice, lifestyle risk, and fear of testing is highlighted, providing guidelines for intervention management.


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