Improving construction productivity: a subcontractor's perspective

Abstract

Purpose – Surprisingly, given the prominence and front-line role of subcontractors in the construction industry, their perspective is almost completely absent from construction productivity literature. Existing research in this area presents a highly one-sided principal contractor perspective and there are very few insights into what subcontractors think. The purpose of this paper is to address the imbalance by investigating the determinants of construction productivity from a subcontractor's perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Focus groups with 71 of Australia's leading tier-one subcontractors were conducted with the aim of exploring their insights into the productivity challenge. Findings – The findings indicate that the main determinants of productivity for subcontractors are: the quality of relationships with principal contractors; opportunity for early involvement in design; transparent tender practices; growing administration and document control; design management; project management and supervisory skills, particularly in planning, scheduling and coordination; risk management and; industrial relations (IR). Research limitations/implications – This research was conducted in Australia and similar research needs to be conducted in other countries to cross-reference and validate the results more widely. Practical implications – In practical terms, a “culture” of productivity improvement will need to be “nurtured” across the business and supply chain if productivity is to be improved. In particular contractors should avoid bid shopping, respect subcontractor IP and talk to subcontractors earlier in a project. Social implications – By respecting the opinions of subcontractors who employ the vast majority of workers in the construction industry, productivity and employment can be increased. Originality/value – The focus group results add significantly to a more balanced understanding of what has hitherto been a one-sided principal contractor focused debate.