A Meta-Analysis of Factors Affecting Construction Labour Productivity in the Middle East
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Date
2023
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Journal of Construction in Developing Countries
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.