A Meta-Analysis of Factors Affecting Construction Labour Productivity in the Middle East

Abstract

Despite the importance of the construction sector for economic development, labour productivity in construction is lower than the productivity of other sectors. Construction productivity has been declining continuously for decades, especially in developing countries. The challenges of low productivity in construction are considered chronic problems. This has raised concerns among construction stakeholders to address the myriad of challenges that are undermining labour productivity growth. This study performed a metadata analysis of factors affecting construction labour productivity (CLP) growth in the Middle East. A systematic review of existing studies on labour productivity in construction was presented. Ten studies from the Middle East were selected for metadata analysis. The key factors affecting CLP in the region were identified and quantitative data from the selected studies were synthesised. Effect summaries derived from the analysis revealed that delays in responding to requests for information, inadequate workers’ supervision, a shortage of skilled labour, the extent of change orders and clarity of technical specifications are the major factors affecting construction productivity. The study is limited to journal articles published in the Scopus database between 2000 and 2020. Middle East contractors can adopt the study’s interventions to develop productivity improvement strategies for their organisations.