JOB SATISFACTION AND WORK PERFORMANCE OF PROJECT MANAGERS

Abstract

Project managers play an important part in ensuring the success of construction projects. The work performance of project managers affects the success of construction projects, the performance of companies and the overall performance of the construction industry. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of job satisfaction on the work performance of project managers. The objectives are to: (a) investigate the project managers’ performance level in their jobs, (b) determine the project managers’ satisfaction level with their jobs, (c) study the project managers’ antecedents of job satisfaction, (d) study the extent to which project managers’ work performance is affected by their job satisfaction and antecedents of job satisfaction and (e) recommend ways to improve project managers’ work performance through antecedents of job satisfaction. Based on the literature review, a structured questionnaire was designed to determine the overall job satisfaction level, satisfaction level with the antecedents of job satisfaction and the performance level of the 3 types of performances (task, interpersonal and organisational) of project managers. The data was collected via electronic mail and post and analysed using SPSS software. The Spearman correlation analysis conducted revealed that the satisfaction with 7 of the 21 identified variables affect all 3 performances of project managers. They are (a) job autonomy, (b) variety of skills used, (c) variety of work tasks, (d) friendly and helpful co-workers, (e) competent and subordinates, (f) authority given and (g) availability of information to carry out work. Lastly, recommendations are made on how to maintain and improve the satisfaction with these variables so that project managers will continue to perform significantly well in all 3 performances.