A labour performance score and grading system to the next normal practices in construction

Abstract

PurposeThe performance-based utilisation of labour resources is a decisive function for developing characteristics of the next normal in the construction industry. Based on the industry's needs, this study aims to develop a framework for the systematic process of labour performance evaluations and labour grading towards achieving higher productivity in construction operations.Design/methodology/approachBoth qualitative and quantitative methods were applied through a comprehensive literature review, surveys and experts' discussions to develop a set of labour training elements of outcomes. Problem-focused and action-oriented communication approaches were used throughout the study to produce detailed steps for the systematic evaluations of labour performance.FindingsThe study has presented a framework consisting of a set of labour training elements of outcomes with the relative weights, as well as the detailed procedures to assess labour competencies towards the calculations of labour performance score values and labour grading.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the scope of the study is limited to the Sri Lankan context, the findings may be tested in other countries for upgrading their performance improvement practices of labour operations.Practical implicationsThe study outcomes will strengthen the construction management practices for the successful implementation of labour training and performance evaluations at construction sites, and also contribute to upgrading the vocational training programmes in the country towards the next sustainable normal.Originality/valueThe developed framework can be a functional tool for the construction industry that provides a mechanism to show the detailed cross-section of each labourer's performance and values, and also displays their roles and responsibilities to accelerate the next normal in the construction industry.

Organisational elements controlling labour efficiency in building construction operations – a construction supervisors' perspective

“…As a result, numerous employments have been produced for a variety of job categories in many developing countries (Umar, 2021). This trend is anticipated to continue for the foreseeable future (Manoharan et al, 2022).…”

“…Accordingly, there is an essential need for construction firms in many developing nations like Sri Lanka to enhance their current construction management practices associated with organisational policies and supervision practices for addressing productivity-related challenges and opportunities (Shehata and El-Gohary, 2011;Shahab and Audrius, 2018;Ghate and Minde, 2016). Notably, discussions with the Sri Lankan CIDA specifically emphasise that the importance of addressing this need is much bigger for building construction practices compared with other types since many construction Labour efficiency in construction firms companies in developing nations invest more in building construction than in other types of construction (Manoharan et al, 2022).…”

Guest editorial: Transforming the construction industry towards the next normal

“…(2023), Rankohi et al . (2023) and Manoharan et al . (2023) produced clarity on the working milieus of skilled and unskilled professionals in the construction industry within the undercurrents of changes in procurement practices for the new normal.…”

“…Labour productivity has been a challenge for the construction industry before the 2020 pandemic and more so in the new normal. Thus, construction labour performance and grading evaluations for enhanced productivity were studied by Manoharan et al (2023) in Sri Lanka. The authors applied a mixed-method approach and presented a framework for assessing labour training, competencies for labour performance and grading.…”

“…Labour productivity has been a challenge for the construction industry before the 2020 pandemic and more so in the new normal. Thus, construction labour performance and grading evaluations for enhanced productivity were studied by Manoharan et al . (2023) in Sri Lanka.…”