Delegation and Span of Management in the Construction Industry

Abstract

Little has been written in the literature about the effectiveness of delegation and span of management in the construction industry. Construction works are relatively labour intensive, therefore, managers consider manpower as the main resource for building projects and should be managed effectively. The data in this study are collected from sixty seven construction managers by means of interviews and discussions. Those managers are involved in managing housing, schools, health centers, roads, water and sewerage projects in Gaza Strip. The objective of this paper is to examine the issues relating to delegation and span of management in the construction industry in Gaza Strip. The relationship between delegation, managers’ efficiency and work productivity is discussed. The findings reveal that inadequate delegation of authority has caused significant work disruption. Construction managers are overworked and their foremen and workers became frustrated. Lack of delegation has led to a decrease in managers efficiency and work productivity. It has been found that a manager can cope with ten subordinates and a foreman can deal with thirty five construction workers.