SINGAPORE'S POPULATION WHITE PAPER (2013) AND IMPLICATIONS OF CULTURAL DIVERSITIES ON CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

Infamous for its negative image of being “Dirty, Dangerous and Demanding”, the Singapore construction industry has always had problems attracting young Singaporeans in seeking out a career in construction. As a consequence, the Singapore construction industry now faces the challenge of being over reliant on foreign labour. In January 2013, the Government released the Population White Paper (2013), which focused on addressing demographic challenges in Singapore. One measure in making up for the declining birth rates in Singapore is the adoption of a more open immigration policy. With an increased number of immigrants, it is possible that there may be more cultural diversities within the construction workforce. This can lead to misunderstandings and reductions in productivity levels. This dissertation uses the six dimensions of national culture established by Hofstede to investigate the possible differences amongst local and foreign Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMET) in the Singapore construction workforce. Through the usage of survey questionnaires and interviews as research methodologies, this dissertation discusses and explores the possible impact that cultural diversities can have on construction productivity.