Evaluating Communication Features of Human Resource Management Practices: The Construction Industry in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Human resource management practices (HRMPs) cannot thrive in an organisation without communication features. The communication attributes are essential as they are means through which meaningful information is shared or transferred in a functional organisation for effective and efficient work process. This study aims to evaluate the communication features of HRMPs in Lagos State, Nigeria, with a view to improving information dissemination among practising construction professionals and HRs in the built environment. Using a quantitative research design, a questionnaire was designed to achieve the quantitative strand through the target population. Data retrieved were screened and analysed using descriptive and principal component analysis (PCA). The Cronbach alpha and the Kruskal–Wallis H non-parametric tests were both utilised to evaluate the reliability of the data and to determine the respondents’ group opinions, respectively. This study was carried out in Lagos State, Nigeria and was limited to practising construction professionals (CPs) and HR in the built environment. The analysis showed that all the communication features ranked above the average mean, with a good communication network, formal communication methods, and use of appropriate communication channels ranking as the top three. PCA clustered the identified communication features into two components: feedback and involvement system, and communication methods. The originality of this study lies in its ability to display the communication features that will assist stakeholders and policymakers in channeling their resources appropriately with defined clusters rather than the usual mean ranking. Based on the findings, this study recommends that more attention should be given to the cluster groups (same as the two components mentioned above) in order to achieve the best optimal manner for efficiency and effectiveness of communication in the construction industry (CI).