scholarly journals The Case for Family-Friendly Work Practices in the Australian Construction Industry

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Francis ◽  
Helen Lingard
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Family Friendly

Although significant changes at the social, demographic, technological and workforce levelshave transformed the relationship between family and work, these changes have notbeen reflected in the employment practices of many construction companies. Many of thejob and organisational factors found to be negatively associated with family functioning arepertinent to construction professionals. Staff are expected to work long hours in demandingroles and this, combined with job insecurity and frequent relocation, means that familylife and individual well-being can be compromised. A growing body of research has foundthat the implementation of family-friendly work policies and practices can lead to greaterproductivity, lower attrition rates and higher morale in the workplace. In addition providinga work environment that is supportive of workers' family roles can help to alleviate workrelatedmental health problems.This paper outlines the changing demographic trends and societal attitudes that are makingindividuals and organisations question current work cultures and structures. Optionsfor making the construction industry a more family-friendly work environment are considered.All professionals, regardless of their age, gender and family responsibilities, canbenefit from these initiatives. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of theseissues for construction companies and future research work.

Reflections on a Scholarly Career in Sport and Exercise Psychology: The Influence of Significant Others on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Thelma S. Horn
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The North ◽  
Senior Scholar ◽  
Sport And Exercise ◽  
American Society

This paper is based on a Senior Scholar presentation delivered at the 2020 annual meeting of the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. The paper begins with a summary of the research work completed by the author and coinvestigators in regard to the influences that significant others (parents, peers, and coaches) exert on the psychosocial well-being of individuals in sport and physical activity. In each of these three areas, illustrative research studies are summarized in a predominantly chronological order with a commentary at the end of each section that identifies unanswered questions and suggests future research directions. In the second section, four particular lessons learned by the author over the course of a scholarly career are identified and explained.

Greek Construction Project Managers' Cognitive Abilities, Personality and Knowledge

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios N. Aretoulis ◽  
Christoforos H. Triantafyllidis
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
International Management ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Special Importance ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Management Literature ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

The tasks performed by a project manager are of special importance to the well being and economic prosperity of construction companies. This paper is aiming at defining the Greek project managers' dominant cognitive abilities, personality characteristics, skills and knowledge. An effort is made to identify available attributes associated with successful management performance and career development. The survey was conducted based on a structured questionnaire. The effort led to 102 responses, originating from engineers and construction professionals, throughout the Greek Construction Industry, including Public-Work Authorities. The questionnaire was based on international management literature and interviews. The study discusses the results of the survey and provides a comparison with those attributes identified in the international literature and correlates the participants' profile with their responses.

A systematic review of factors influencing the implementation of health promotion programs in the construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Fuller ◽  
Abid Hasan ◽  
Imriyas Kamardeen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Health Promotion Programs

PurposeThe construction industry has a poor reputation for an unhealthy lifestyle and a high prevalence of health problems such as obesity, stress and hypertension among construction workers. The review examines the factors influencing the design and delivery of health promotion programs implemented by construction organisations to educate workers and promote a healthy lifestyle. It also identifies gaps in research and practices and proposes directions for future research.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of 51 relevant journal articles published during 2010–2019 was undertaken to achieve the aim of the study.FindingsThe review reveals 46 different factors grouped into four major themes related to individuals, organisations, industry and the program, influencing the successful implementation of health promotion programs. The top ten most cited factors are cost, time, facilities and resources, transient workforce, delivery method, influence from managers, long working hours, masculine culture, production pressure and interest. The review also found a noticeable lack of studies on implementing health promotion programs in the context of developing countries, small and medium-sized construction organisations, residential sector workers, and construction professionals and female workers.Research limitations/implicationsThe review's scope is limited to research on health promotion programs, and it did not investigate the factors affecting the health of construction workers in construction projects.Practical implicationsA better understanding of various influencing factors present at different decision levels will inform the future implementation of targeted workforce health promotion strategies to foster construction workers' health and well-being.Originality/valueThe review reveals bottlenecks that need to be addressed to successfully implement health promotion programs in the construction industry. It provides new insights that can improve existing health and workplace policies and health promotion programs in the construction industry. Finally, it identifies new research directions in a neglected but crucial area of workers' health and safety management.

Assessing Organisations’ Readiness for Technological Changes in Construction Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norfashiha Hashim ◽  
◽  
Aina Syazifa Samsuri ◽  
Nur Hidayah Idris ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Technological Changes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Technological Readiness

Of late, the advancements in technology have witnessed a spike in the number of schemes aimed towards enhancing the deployment of technologies in construction-based entities, thereby increasing the demand for technological modifications. This paper intends to scrutinise the keenness of construction entities to identify technological changes within the construction sector. The goals of this research work are to ascertain the degree of willingness for technological alterations, the norms which construction entities should possess regarding the readiness for technological alterations, and the obstacles encountered by construction firms in terms of technological alterations. Ten semi-structured interviews were carried out comprising ten G7 contractors in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur regarding on the implementation and adopting the technological changes within their companies. Based on the observations, most construction firms in Malaysia are fairly prepared to encounter technological fluctuations. Furthermore, the research deliberates many norms which are essential to generate the technological readiness in construction firms along with the obstacles which could impact the organisational inclination for technological changes. This work intends to help construction companies evaluate their degree of readiness and organise themselves for better adoption of technological alterations in their businesses.

Service robots, customers and service employees: what can we learn from the academic literature and where are the gaps?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinh Nhat Lu ◽  
Jochen Wirtz ◽  
Werner H. Kunz ◽  
Stefanie Paluch ◽  
Thorsten Gruber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Sector ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Robots ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Multiple Observations ◽  
The Impact

PurposeRobots are predicted to have a profound impact on the service sector. The emergence of robots has attracted increasing interest from business scholars and practitioners alike. In this article, we undertake a systematic review of the business literature about the impact of service robots on customers and employees with the objective of guiding future research.Design/methodology/approachWe analyzed the literature on service robots as they relate to customers and employees in business journals listed in the Financial Times top 50 journals plus all journals covered in the cross-disciplinary SERVSIG literature alerts.FindingsThe analysis of the identified studies yielded multiple observations about the impact of service robots on customers (e.g. overarching frameworks on acceptance and usage of service robots; characteristics of service robots and anthropomorphism; and potential for enhanced and deteriorated service experiences) and service employees (e.g. employee benefits such as reduced routine work, enhanced productivity and job satisfaction; potential negative consequences such as loss of autonomy and a range of negative psychological outcomes; opportunities for human–robot collaboration; job insecurity; and robot-related up-skilling and development requirements). We also conclude that current research on service robots is fragmented, is largely conceptual in nature and focused on the initial adoption stage. We feel that more research is needed to build an overarching theory. In addition, more empirical research is needed, especially on the long(er)-term usage service robots on actual behaviors, the well-being and potential downsides and (ethical) risks for customers and service employees.Research limitations/implicationsOur review focused on the business and service literature. Future work may want to include additional literature streams, including those in computer science, engineering and information systems.Originality/valueThis article is the first to synthesize the business and service literature on the impact of service robots on customers and employees.

scholarly journals Job Insecurity as a Predictor of Conflict in Botswana Construction Industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Josephine Moeti-Lysson ◽  
Evans Sokro ◽  
Jerry Courvisanos
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Temporary Work ◽  
Labour Relations ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females

The construction sector continues to play a significant role in the socio-economic development of many nations, most importantly, today’s emerging economies. Although the sector is labour intensive and employees play critical roles in various projects and their success, there has been little research on people management practices and policies. Obtaining data from 617 employees working in eight Botswana construction companies, this study investigates employees’ perceptions of job insecurity and conflict in domestic-owned and Chinese-owned companies. The results show that there is a significant positive relationship between temporary work and perception of job insecurity and as such, job insecurity is positively related to conflict; these have large and significant impacts on deviant workplace behaviour. Also, there is statistically significant difference between males and females in both types of companies on how they perceive job insecurity as the cause of conflict, which needs to be addressed in human resource management to ensure better labour relations and higher labour productivity.

scholarly journals Zero Hours Contracts and Their Perceived Impact On Job Motivation of Event Catering Staff

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 735-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viachaslau Filimonau ◽  
Sara Corradini
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Family Status ◽  
Perceived Fairness ◽  
Staff Motivation ◽  
Market Situation ◽  
The Uk

Catering is a cornerstone of events. Motivating catering staff, who can be either permanent or "hourly paid" employees, represents an important managerial challenge, especially in the UK, where controversial zero hours contracts (ZHCs) prevail within the events industry. This article reports a representative case study of a London-based event catering company that relies upon ZHCs. In pursuit of corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, directed at enhancing the well-being of employees and improving corporate image, the company considers replacing ZHCs with alternative contracts, but wishes to examine the potential impact of this intervention first. To aid in decision making, 18 indepth, semistructured interviews are conducted with company's managers and employees to examine the drivers of staff motivation and the perceived effect of ZHCs. The study finds that interpersonal relationships, remuneration rates, and perceived fairness of managerial treatment drive staff motivation in event catering. The major positive (flexibility and no mutual obligation) and negative (job insecurity and instable income) implications of ZHCs are well understood by employees. The internal (personal finances, family status, and individual lifestyles) and environmental (current job market situation and managerial abilities) circumstances determine the level of preparedness and the degree of willingness of event catering staff to accept ZHCs. Implications for policy making, professional practice, and future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Safe Working Cycle: Is It a Panacea to Combat Construction Site Safety Accidents in Hong Kong?

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 894
Author(s):  
Daniel W. M. Chan ◽  
Douglas O. Aghimien
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Working Cycle ◽  
Safety Initiative ◽  
Safe Working

In Hong Kong, the accident statistics of the construction industry is still comparatively higher than other industries. However, accident rates within the industry have significantly decreased, starting from the implementation of diverse safety initiatives, including the Safe Working Cycle (SWC). In this study, a post-positivist philosophical stance was adopted, and a questionnaire survey was launched to gather empirical data on the application of SWC in construction projects, the effectiveness of the safety initiative, and the benefits thereof. The data gathered from 197 construction participants were analysed using descriptive statistics, mean score, Mann–Whitney U-Test, Kendall’s concordance analysis, Chi-square value, Spearman rank-order correlation test and exploratory factor analysis. The findings revealed significant adoption of SWC in the Hong Kong construction industry. Furthermore, daily, weekly, and monthly inspections and supervisions and safety committee meetings are effective items of this safety initiative. The benefits of adopting SWC can be grouped into the safety of frontline workers and increase in the organisation’s safety commitment and reputation. This study has created an excellent theoretical platform for future research work on the usefulness of the SWC in the construction industry at large.

scholarly journals Institutional entrepreneurs driving change: The case of gender equality in the Australian construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny Salignac ◽  
Natalie Galea ◽  
Abigail Powell
Keyword(s):  
Gender Equality ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Institutional Entrepreneurship ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Institutional Entrepreneurs ◽  
New Meanings ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Equality And Diversity

Taken-for-granted rules are difficult to change. The Australian construction industry is one example, where despite considerable attempts at regulating gender equality by government and others, the industry remains steadfastly male dominated. This article investigates the drivers (i.e. why) and processes (i.e. how) of change with regard to gender equality in the workplace. Using institutional entrepreneurship, we provide insight into the change towards gender equality in the Australian construction industry. We collect data from two Australian construction companies and, drawing on interviews conducted with business leaders, look at how new meanings around gender equality and diversity are negotiated. We find that while gender equality is an important point of focus for both companies, discrepancies remain between perceptions and reality as well as people’s level of readiness. We conclude with implications for theory and future research.

scholarly journals Job insecurity: Review of the international literature on definitions, prevalence, antecedents and consequences

2005 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans De Witte
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Made In

This article reviews the literature on job insecurity. After defining the concept and its components, the prevalence of job insecurity among workers is discussed. Next, various antecedents are charted, and the consequences of job insecurity for the health and well-being of individuals and for their attitudes and behaviours towards organizations are discussed. Finally, some practical suggestions are made in order to reduce the harmful effects of insecurity, and some suggestions for future research are formulated. The focus of this review article is on studies from Europe and the U.S. As such, it aims to introduce the field of job insecurity to South African researchers. Opsomming Die artikel gee ’n oorsig van die literatuur oor werksonsekerheid. Na die defineering van die konsep en die komponente, word die voorkoms van werksonsekerheid onder werknemers bespreek. Volgende word verskeie antesedente bespreek, en die gevolge van werksonsekerheid op die gesondheid en welstand van individue, hul gesindhede en hul gedrag teenoor die organisasie bespreek. Laastens word daar ’n paar praktiese voorstelle gemaak om die skadelike gevolge van onsekerheid te verminder, asook voorstelle vir toekomstige navorsing. Die fokus van hierdie oorsig artikel is op studies in Europa and die VSA gemaak, en as sulks beoog dit om die veld van werksonsekerheid aan Suid-Afrikaanse navorsers voor te stel.

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