Becoming an employer of choice in the infrastructure and construction sector

Abstract

Purpose of Research: The aim of the study was to understand the perception of campus applicants towards employers in the Infrastructure and Construction related sectors. This research further explored, into measuring the extent to which these perceptions translated into employment preferences for the campus applicants. The objectives of the study were to (1) to understand the preference of campus applicants towards different employer-types, (2) to identify the job attributes that campus applicants seek in their prospective employers, (3) to analyse if job-preferences are based on demographics such as gender, work experience etc. An attempt was also made to compare and contrast the EmpAt scale developed by Berthon et al. (2005) in the Indian context. Methodology: Descriptive research was undertaken to explore the aforementioned research objectives. Data was collected through a mail-questionnaire administered on a sample comprising the final year students pursuing post-graduate management courses in NICMAR, Pune and RICS, Noida; two of the country’s premier Institutes offering niche courses in the Infrastructure and Construction related sectors. In all, 264 students had participated in the online survey. Various multivariate tools and techniques were used to evaluate and analyze the data collected. Findings: The survey findings have helped identify those variables that determine a firm’s attractiveness as an employer of choice in the Infrastructure and Construction sector. Given that the survey was restricted to only the aforementioned Institutes, it has helped understand the sectoral specifics, as far as job preferences of campus applicants are concerned. Implications: By understanding the drivers and motivators of potential campus recruits, organisations will be better positioned to develop strategies to attract-retain the young workforce and consequently, nurture tomorrow’s leaders. It is worthwhile to understand the millennials, such that it helps Organizations to modify their workplace policies to suit the distinctive tastes, interests and preferences of the young workforce and become employers of choice.