Influence of Construction Mechanization on the Quality of Work Life and the Performance of Construction Workers in Kenya

Abstract

Mechanization in the construction sector significantly impacts both the quality of work life and the performance of workers in Kenya. This study aimed to investigate the influence of construction mechanization on the quality of work life and the performance of workers on construction sites in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study included: (i) to establish the level of quality of work life and the performance of workers on construction sites in Kenya, (ii) to establish the extent of mechanization in construction projects in Kenya, (iii) to establish the effect of mechanization on the quality of work life and the performance of construction workers on sites, and (iv) to formulate a framework for optimizing the level of mechanization and manpower in construction projects in Kenya. The theoretical foundations draw from the human capital theory, the theory of capitalism, theory of induced innovation, and the socio-technical systems theory, emphasizing the interplay between technology and human factors in construction project management. This research was guided by the philosophy of positivism. A quantitative research strategy and survey research design were adopted. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires administered on construction sites. The findings revealed that labour efficiency in the studied construction projects ranged between 64.8% and 69.6%. The quality of work ranged between 59.6% and 62.8%. The overall level of the extent of training, skillset, and development among the construction workers was found to be 67.2%. The findings indicated that the qualitative aspect (effectiveness) of construction worker performance was lower than the quantitative aspect (labour efficiency) by 4 percentage points. The overall extent of fairness of compensation and reward systems, quality of working conditions, quality of health and safety, and the quality of welfare and social integration was 64.4%, 72.6%, 72.6%, and 71.0% respectively. Findings on the level of mechanization show that more than half (53%) of the activities in the building construction sector in Kenya are carried out using hand tools. None of the activities in construction are robotized. The overall mechanization level for Kenya's construction industry was found to be 47%, indicating a substantial reliance on manual methods. Correlation analysis showed no significant relationship between mechanization and labour efficiency. Regression analysis revealed three predictors with a significant relationship with construction worker performance. The study found that mechanization positively impacts the quality of working conditions for construction workers, but negatively affects compensation and rewards systems, health and safety, welfare and social integration. The study recommends that construction workers need to be regularly trained through comprehensive training programs that focus not only on new methods of construction but also on their career growth opportunities. This will help them not only improve their performance while utilizing machines but also improve their work-life in the modern construction workplace.