Significant Decent Work Objectives for Monitoring Construction Workers' Productivity Performance in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Decent work deficits in Zimbabwe have exacerbated low construction workers' productivity. Therefore, the functional decent work agenda matrix can potentially be utilised in place of the non-existent construction labour productivity performance monitoring tools. Hence, this study aims to determine significant decent work objectives for monitoring construction workers' productivity performance and also to examine demographic-related statistically significant differences. Given the exploratory nature of the study, a positivist paradigm was utilised for data collection and analysis owing to the aim of revealing relationships between construction workers' productivity performance and decent work objectives. Adequate earnings, productive work and environmental context were the most significant objectives while all other objectives were significant towards monitoring construction workers' productivity performance. Demographically targeted interventions include the need for adequate remuneration according to different generations and designations of workers, work-life balance for various designations and educational levels, improving the stability of employment, enhancing social security and improving training and awareness of environmental sustainability for workers of various designations. This study did not consider skilled construction workers' views as this was exploratory. Significant decent work objectives can be utilised to monitor construction workers' productivity performance, thereby improving both workers' welfare and productivity.