An Exploratory Study of Motivation Drivers of Construction Sites Engineers in Gaza Construction Companies

Abstract

Motivation has become one of the most widely discussed concepts in general management, although it has not generated the same enthusiasm in the construction industry. Employees' motivation in construction sector in developing countries is faced with many problems unlike those experienced by their counterparts in developed countries on which most motivation studies have been concentrated. The aim of the study to explore the degree of motivation implemented on construction site engineers in Gaza construction companies. Delphi method was used to obtain judgment of panel of experts to achieve the objectives of the study. The study evaluated the extent to which the construction companies in Gaza Strip apply motivating systems for site engineers, the most important and effectual motivating factors for the site engineers and the effect of these motivating factors on productivity. Three rounds of Delphi procedure were utilized. In the first round, literature review in addition of 23 experts' opinions were used to build up the study questionnaire. In the second round, the participants were individually asked to take their time for rating their level of agreement along with all the factors within each focal point included under each main stream. For round three, the sorted results of the participants were used to filter the features that obtained 75% consensus or more on round two. Whereas, the filtrated factors were placed on round three questionnaires and the same respondents were again asked to confirm or modify their choices and re-rank the importance of the factors. The study revealed that the incorporeal motivations came as the most motivational elements applied on site engineers by the construction companies in Gaza Strip while there are severe shortage in application of the corporeal factors. The corporeal motivational factors were emphasized by the participants as the most effectual motivators for site engineers include: "equitable salary, regular motherly salary, safe working environment, stable employment and job security". Followed by the incorporeal motivational factors which include: "dealing with site engineers on the basis of appreciation and mutual respect, recognize and praise site engineers and granting them extra authorities". The retributive restrictions were the most unsatisfactory elements from the experts point of view. Finally, the study recommended several actions to improve the motivation of site engineers in Gaza construction companies.