FOREIGN CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The construction industry in Singapore contributes significantly to the nation’s economic growth. However, in spite of the impressive performance of the construction industry over the past few years, it has been perceived as having low productivity and poor quality of work. The presence of a large number of unskilled foreign workers in Singapore construction industry is one of the attributes of this result. The Singapore government has implemented various policies and provided different kinds of trainings for the foreign workers in the hope of raising their productivities at work. Nevertheless, to this point, the outcome is not satisfying as the overall productivity still remain low. Thus, this dissertation is an attempt to study other factors which may motivate foreign workers to work harder and ultimately achieve a higher level of productivity. The objective of this study is to identify the various problems and difficulties faced by foreign workers while working in Singapore. It explores why and how by solving these problems, the level of productivity can be improved. The study is based on an extensive review of past works and the findings from the results of the survey. The literature review explains the concept of the motivation theory and how it is closely related to the level of productivity. It can be concluded that an improvement in motivation will bring about an improvement in productivity. Thus, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 80 foreign workers from different nationalities to investigate the issues associate with the motivation factors which applicable to the local construction industry. The survey results revealed that although foreign workers have received proper trainings and medical care from their employers and the authorities, more effort should be put in to other potential areas, namely, communication skills, incentive schemes, provision of proper accommodation and safe working environment, and other welfare benefits, so as to furnish foreign workers a better and easier life in Singapore. After all, it will be beneficial to both the employer and the industry as they will contribute more effectively to achieve a greater level of productivity.