Rating the significance of the factors influencing shortage of skilled labours for sustainable construction: a perception of Makkah construction practitioner

Abstract

AbstractThe construction industry is one of the main economic sectors that contribute significantly to social and economic development. However, the lack of skilled labour is one of the factors affecting the success of projects in the construction industry. Skilled labours are the potential for enhancing overall delivery of construction projects to achieve sustainability. Building and construction industry in Makkah has continued to respond to shortages of skilled labours. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the importance of factors influencing the shortage of skilled labours from the perceptions of construction practitioners. In order to achieve the aims and objectives of this study, the quantitative descriptive method was adopted for this research study, and data for this study was collected through a stratified random sample of construction practitioners in Makkah. Data were first analysed by way of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Relative Importance Index (RII) for ranking comparison among the construction practitioners. The results of RII indicates that the significant factors influencing the shortage of skilled labours in Makkah include delay in salary payment, low wages structure, lack of motivation system, health and safety issues on construction sites, lack of job security, bad relations between skilled labours and management team, poor living conditions, Slow recruitment of skilled labours, restricted government regulations, and exposure of climate conditions. The findings revealed that the factors rated are required for organisational performances which are essential in achieving sustainable building and construction in Makkah.