ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS IN IMPROVING CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY: A STUDY BASED ON THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Sluggish performance of Construction Productivity (CP) is a common occurrence worldwide. This phenomenon is similarly observed in the case of Singapore despite the introduction of notable initiatives such as the BCA Construction Productivity Roadmaps and the setting up of the Committee on the Future Economy. This study evaluates the role of Trade Unions (TUs) in contributing to CP. The key issue is to study if TUs have a role to play in this contemporary society to improve CP. Scott’s Institutional Theory provides the underpinning to understand TUs in detail. The Institutional Theory forms the underlying basis of this study. Notably, it introduces three key pillars (Regulative, Normative and Cultural-Cognitive) from which TUs could be better understood. This study examines these pillars in the context of TUs. This will ultimately help to derive attributes of TUs in relation to CP. The research methodologies for this study include survey questionnaire, interviews and a case study. Research findings have shown that there is a general positive outlook that TUs have the ability to contribute to CP. The study found that Union Leaders possess strong attributes within the Normative and Cultural-Cognitive Pillars. Hence, it is recommended for Union Leaders to establish committees that target CP. At the same time, the notion of a Progressive Wage Model (PWM) is being proposed for the construction industry. The study also found that Union Members possess strong attributes within the Regulative and Normative Pillars. Hence, it is recommended to raise Union Members’ awareness of CP through strategies like having infographic posters and creating a larger presence on social media. In line with Singapore’s aim to raise productivity by up to 3% annually till 2020, this study hence offers a new perspective by roping in TUs as the “missing piece” in the jigsaw puzzle to solve the low productivity problem.