STRENGTHENING THE SINGAPOREAN CORE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

Singapore’s construction industry is facing a shortage of local talents, in view of a strong pipeline of projects expected in the near future. The transformation of the construction industry requires the industry to grow a pool of fresh talents with relevant skillsets. However, negative perceptions of the construction industry, such as harsh working conditions and long working hours, creates a barrier for locals to pursue careers in the industry. In order to encourage built environment firms to improve their human resource (HR) practices, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Construction Industry Joint Committee (CIJC) launched an initiative called the Pledge for a Better Built Environment Workplace or ‘HR Pledge’ in 2014. This dissertation aims to evaluate the 17 HR practices of the HR Pledge to see if they can play a key role in attracting and retaining local talents. The research methods adopted in this dissertation include a questionnaire survey on undergraduates majoring in Project and Facilities Management (PFM) and an email interview with the Manpower Planning Department of BCA. The findings from this research provide evidence that the 17 HR practices of the HR Pledge affect PFM undergraduates’ decision to take up a job in the construction industry. However, the HR Pledge initiative currently lacks awareness among PFM undergraduates. This dissertation recommends firms in the construction industry to consider providing enhanced employee benefits, introducing employee support schemes and introducing flexible work arrangement schemes as these HR practices would help to attract locals to join the construction industry.