Motivation among Construction workers in Cyprus

Motivation among Construction workers in CyprusThis assignment serves as a proposal for the thesis requirements and the associated look into to be carried out. The dissertation paper pass on focus on individual give awayment in cost of penury. More particularally, it forget investigate the levels of motivation of the employees in the Construction labor of Cyprus, employ Maslows Needs Hierarchy as its theoretical base. The principal(prenominal) research question to be addressed is What is the peak of rejoicing at each level of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs among the Construction Industry workers in Cyprus?The particular industry, doneout the world and in Cyprus, faces a series of problems (Yankov Kleiner, 2001). several(prenominal) of the problems implicate communication and coordination problems. Also, productiveness is observed to be relatively low when compargond with otherwise sectors, and this has a direct effect on inflating costs and organisational inefficiency. Parkin et al. (2009) states that motivation is an primal positionor influencing productivity and that various forms of rewards endure stimulate motivation. The particular research aims to determine the degree of satisfaction and the importance of each level of Maslows Hierarchy for workers. This ordain contribute to the better understanding of employee motivation by managers and thus help in the designing of appropriate reward systems that go forth have a significant impact on increasing employee motivation.The inspiration for conducting such(prenominal) research came from the authors personal interest on the item industry and come aboutic, after working as a construction site manager for some time and news reporting various motivation theories through the current course. Additionally, no research has been conducted on the specific industry on the island until now. All these make the proposed research interesting and primary(prenominal) since it pass on introduce some un derstanding on the motivation levels of the workers and it willing help the quickly developing construction industry of Cyprus to become more cost effective through adopting more suitable management practises.The following sections introduce the key belles-lettres on the topic and the proposed methodology to be use. Also, some details be given on the problems to be addressed, the context of the study, the planned timeframe and the anticipated contributions of this research to supposition, association and practise.Review of Key LiteratureMotivation and Content TheoriesMotivation can be defined as the cognitive, decision-making process through which goal- coiffe behaviour is initiated, energized, and directed and maintained (Buchanan Huczynski, 2004, p.244). Content Theories of motivation focus on the goals to which tenders aim to achieve (Mullins, 2007, p.256). One of the earliest content theories is the needs hierarchy by Abraham Maslow (1943). early(a) content theories fo llowed Maslows work, such as Alderfers ERG model and Herzbergs Two Factor theory, but the Hierarchy of Needs is the cornerstone theory on individual development and motivation.Since motivation is a determinant of behaviour and performance, content theories such as the work of Maslow aim to provide the contextual framework for understanding the various motives, and thus using the information to influence performance (Parkin, et al, 2009). The main criticism of such theories is that they lack robust empirical support, especially Maslows Hierarchy of Needs (Roberts, 1982). Additionally, there is a essential problem in applying them in organisational settings since most of the above theories c one timentrate on the individual and so downgrade social interaction, culture and learning (Trigg, 2004). Nevertheless, content theories are extensively used by managers as a framework for dealing with their employees.Maslows Hierarchy of Needs in briefDr. Maslow triped his study on the hierarch y of human needs when he became interested to play out why dickens of his professors were so different from the rest (Maslow, 1975). Unthe likes of previous researchers, he synthesised a commodious body of research and adopted a holistic approach on studying human motivation (Francis Kritsonis, 2006). So he proposed the hierarchy of needs, consisting of five disputations, with the top level being Self-Actualisation. The top level is discussed in further detail in the coterminous section. The pyramid below illustrates the five needs in the order of their priority.Source Shoura Singh, 1998Maslow (1943) briefly describes the five line of reasonings as followsPhysiological Needs these are the starting point for motivation and they are also called physiological needs. They include survival needs such as food, water and sleep.Safety Needs after fulfilling the survival needs, one needs to secure his body and his job. Also, there is the need to encourage his property and family.Bel onging Needs the need to belong to a social group, to love and being loved and fellowship with others.Esteem Needs the need for recognition, acquisition and independence. The need for high self-evaluation based on capability and the respect of others.Self-Actualization Needs the advancement of the individual and humanity through elevating spirituality, true perception and growth.Lingard and Rowlinson (2005) explain that individuals growth up the pyramid in a systematic manner. In other words, once the commence need has been satisfied, it is no longer a motivator and the next parameter becomes the primary motivator. This is known as the concept of satisfaction-progression process. Moreover, Mullins (2007) adds that there exists a decreasing degree of satisfaction at each level. So as lower needs become more satisfied, higher(prenominal) level needs start to emerge. Finally, Maslow (1943) explains that there are exceptions, where the hierarchy is not necessarily in the proposed ord er for them. Examples of such exceptions include people in chronic unemployment who may lose interest in higher level needs because they seek satisfaction from low level needs.Empirical Studies and Criticism of the HierarchyMaslows theory served as the theoretical basis for numerous research projects (Shoura Singh, 1998). Some studies found Maslows theory to be valid when empirically tested, while others criticised it for not applying to non-western cultures and other classes than the middle class. Some of the studies that confirmed the theory include the study measuring motivation levels in Venezuela by Socorro and Ramirez (1986) and in regular army by Hankins and Clark (1989). In addition, a study on personality-factor tendencies in Israel by Megen (1985) found that the tendencies were highly consistent with Maslows Self-actualization characteristics. Finally, Lester et al (1983) found that the levels of satisfaction of the parameters were related to measures of neuroticism, t herefore making Maslows theory credible.Recent studies by Parkin et al (2009) and Kazaz and Ulubeyli (2007) found that the decreasing degree of satisfaction of the parameters was not valid for construction workers in Turkey. They claim that higher needs appeared more accomplished than lower level needs, and that extrinsic rewards (monetary) were the main motivators. Moreover, some theoretical criticism suggests that Maslows methodology was not scientifically appropriate and that the archetype he used was extremely exclusive (Trigg, 2004). Also, various authors, including Alderfer, challenged the satisfaction-progression hypothesis, saying that whatsoever one deficiency can exist along another one. Finally, Buchanan and Huczynski (2004) and Maher (2002) state that the description of Self-actualization is too vague and leads to empirical problems, and that the hierarchy cannot fully interpret behaviour as it lacks aspects of evolution, learning, culture and social interaction.Self- Development PotentialTotal Self-Development, or Self-actualization, drives humans to prolong awareness, beyond common materialistic knowledge, into higher consciousness levels of existence (Shoura Singh, 1998). This parameter can be linked with Total Quality Management practises in the mother wit that if a person is on its pursuit it means that he will extend his potential, become more operational and effective. Furthermore, the pursuit of self-actualization is responsible for the expansion of the mind, which can be very useful for organisations. This is because such employees strive to acquire understanding beyond common, available knowledge, and this can translate into human capital (Singh, 1996).Maslow (1943) states that self-actualizing people develop Being Values. These are the ultimate values that cannot be reduced to anything more ultimate (Maslow, 1975). Despite the fact that they develop during the final parameter, they still behave like needs- thats why they are called metaneeds (Goble, 2004). Failure to fulfil such metaneeds leads to the sickness of the soul, also known as metapathology. On the other hand, if such needs are fulfilled, because the individual enjoys life the most, with vivid experiences and is able to see symbolism in various aspects. Of course, this parameter is also an on-going process, where the individual goes back and forth from the previous parameter (Maslow, 1975).Motivation, Productivity and WorkMany authors stress that motivation levels can affect productivity to a great extend (Parkin et al, 2009 Mullins, 2007). Yankov and Kleiner (2001) add that by applying motivation theories on organisational context can help managers understand the levels of motivation for employees and design systems for the optimization of human resources in the production. Such systems can include both extrinsic and inwrought rewards, depending on the employees indicated deficiencies.The research proposed by this essay will attempt to define the motivation parameters fulfilment using Maslows Hierarchy of need. This will give insights to managers in the specific industry on the deficiencies of the workforce. Therefore this data will assist in the development of suitable reward systems that will cover the suggested deficiencies and increase productivity through increased motivation.Why use Maslow and not any other Content theory?The proposed research will utilize Maslows theory because it is the most incorporated theory in the Business world (Buchanan Huczynski, 2004). Management fashions such as TQM, BPR and job enrichment integrate Maslows ideas for motivation since it has a broad coverage. Moreover, it is the only theory with such enlightenment and close ties with psychology, which is one of the researchers personal interests.Proposed MethodologyResearch QuestionsWhat methodology must be developed for suitably measure outing the motivation parameters of employees in the Construction Industry of Cyprus?What is the degree of satisfaction at each parameter of Maslows Needs Hierarchy among workers in the Construction Industry of Cyprus?How can managers use the findings to increase motivation levels, and thus productivity?Methodology related QuestionsWhat is a sufficient sample?How errors will be limited and reliability will be ensured?Approach, Target Group and Sample adequatenessThe target group for the specific research are the low ranking workers on the construction sites to be visited. These include builders, plumbers, electricians and any other technician that does not hire a managerial position. By including all the type of employees working in the Construction Industry, a holistic approach of motivation parameters will be retrieved for the firm industry. The collection of data will be obtained through personal survey by the researcher, with the uses of a quantifiable questionnaire.Since the actual meaning of a dissertation is a small scale research, a sample of 50 to 70 responders should be sufficient, provided that the majority of those asked will wreak part in the research. As section 4 explains, responders will be arbitrarily selected, provided that they hold a low ranking position, and the sites to be visited will be both random and specific.The questionnaire intends to include questions that cover the 5 motivational parameters, in order to be able to develop a quantitative assessment for each responder at each parameter. Each parameter will be covered by more than one question. The response to questions will be measured using a Likert Scale from 1 to 7, with 1 representing total disagreement and 7 total agreement. Additionally, the responder will be asked to respond to the same questions in terms of personal importance.Triangulation of DataThe Triangulation theory enables researchers to assess and complete hypotheses (Denzin, 1978). Based on this, the questionnaire will include multiple questions studying the same variable, and also questions will be randomized to check whether responses to mistakable questions are matched.Evaluation MethodsFor data evaluation, some terminology and formulas are adopted from Shoura and Singh (1998). This also helps in cross reference compatibility.Firstly, all the questions will be grouped harmonise to the parameter they test, and the mean value of each responder for all questions will be calculated (Quality Index numerical parameter). Then, all the QIs will be averaged to find the group QI. QI is helpful to see the instant perception of questions by responders. The same procedure will be done for the responses of the same questions for personal importance. This will be named Relevance Factor (RF).Moreover, QI will be divided by RF, and with using a convenience factor multiplication (k), it will aver a value between 1 and 100 (Scaled QI). This will serve as an additional numerical parameter for assessment. To illustrate the use of SQI, lets say that RF is high. This produces a low SQI that shows that at tention must be placed on the specific parameter. Finally, regarding the central tendency theorem, the standard deviation of QI, RF and SQI will be calculated to see question responses fluctuated around the average. Where central tendency is observed, it is important to analyse the data since important conclusions can be drawn. The appendix contains the statistical formulas. strong point of Proposed Methodology and Alternative methods availabilityThe proposed methodology is expected to be effective since it appears to be rational and triangulated. In addition, the work of Shoura and Singh (1998) helped in the final formulation. A similar version was tested in Honolulu and the results were credible. This methodology can be made more effective by relating the results with demographics, where especially age is very important in the analysis of Self-Actualization. Unfortunately, integrating such an analysis will exceed the length of such a small research project.Alternative methods of a ssessing motivation parameters include recorded interviews with employees or with managers that lay down their views about their staff. However, this takes a qualitative data form which requires a more complex analysis. So a quantitative data collection is preferred, where responses are homogeneous and easier to analyse. Some other researchers chose to send their questionnaires through email or by post. The specific researcher prefers to be tough personally in the data collection to make sure that there is complete understanding and everything goes as planned.Ethical Considerations and Practical ConsiderationsIt is important to state once again that this research is intended to be of a small scale therefore no generalizations can be made using its findings. Nonetheless, it can be used as a reference on future research. Moreover, subjects will be fully explained of the requirements and be assured that the research will remain anon. and will not affect their job. This information wil l be printed on the questionnaire and further stressed by the researcher. Further considerations on ethics include the fact that participation is voluntary and that the completed questionnaires will not be shown to anyone. Finally, the supervisor will sign a statement confirming the purpose of the research and the results will be shown to managers whose employees participated.For the timeframe and the feasibility issues of the research see Section 4.Context, Timeframe and feasibilityContext of StudyThe researcher plans to distribute the questionnaires in construction sites in the 4 main provinces in Cyprus Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos. Each province consists of one major city and a number of small villages around it. The sites to be visited include some specific and random. The specific sites are those known through acquaintances made during working experience. The criteria for selecting the random sites will be their convenient location and the number of workers on the si te. The questionnaire will be distributed randomly to low ranking employees that are willing to participate in the research.In regards to the construction industry of Cyprus, it is a rapidly developing industry producing around 20% of the Republics GDP (CYSTAT, 2010). The particular industry also serves as a significant foreign currency earner, since properties are exported mainly to residents from the UK and Russia. The workers on the sites can be set forth as low skilled labour with low educational qualifications, mainly of eastern European nationalities. The specific research will only target these technicians and will exclude any qualified engineers and high ranking staff since most of them occupy a managerial position. Finally, it is observed that most firms in the industry do not have an HRM department. So any reward schemes are designed by CEOs who are not specialized in the field, especially in terms of motivation.TimeframeThe time-line of the research is designed in advanc e. All tasks are given generous time and the plan aims to finish the whole project 2 weeks before the deadline. These actions fall by the wayside for any unexpected events that may occur and disturb some tasks. The calendar in the Appendix shows the timeline in detail. Briefly, the first belles-lettres review will start on the 21 of March and last for 3 weeks. Then the questionnaire will be designed using one week and in the next two weeks, data will be collected by visiting the various sites and handing out the questionnaires. On the 1st of June, a deeper literature review will take place for 3 weeks and then the data will be recorded and analysed. After analysing the data, one week will be dedicated to studying literature and relating to results. The final task is to write the dissertation, and this will take 4 weeks.FeasibilityThe weeks that data will be collected are appropriate since they do not involve any holidays and workers are expected to be on the site. Also, it is a go od time for the researcher since the weeks do not collide with exams or any other obligations. Finally, a friend acting as a translator is available at that specific time.Furthermore, some of the site managers were informed about the research on their staff, and are happy to collaborate. Some other conditions that need to be met to ensure the smooth running of the research includeA translator will accompany the researcher to ensure that the subjects fully understand the questions and the requirements (the translator is a friend of the researcher, speaking Bulgarian, Romanian and Turkish, that has confirmed that he will participate)The researcher will be present to provide clarifications and instructionsThe questions have to be designed so that the most illiterate person can understand themIdentification of the Problems to be addressedThe suggested research will address the problem between employees motivation and productivity, by examining the motivation parameter fulfilment on Masl ows Needs Hierarchy. Through this, other problems will also be addressed. These include the lack of empirical data on the motivation levels of the workers in the specific industry that can be used by managers in order to design policies that stimulate motivation. Finally, the results can be used to find out whether contemporary reward schemes address the needs of workers or they are irrelevant and ineffective.Research ContributionsSimilar studies on motivation claim that they contributed both in theory and practice. Kazaz and Ulubeyli (2007) suggest that their study contributed to the enhancement of the validity of Maslows guess but also indicated that some concepts are not completely valid. Furthermore, Parkin et al, (2009) and Shoura and Singh (1998) suggest that they provided vital insights to managers in the specific industries that will contribute to the fine-tuning of Human Resources.The specific study will also contribute to theory, in the sense that it will try to test the validity of Maslows theory in a small island society and on a lower societal class than the middle class. Additionally, it aims to add to the knowledge on the motivation levels of employees in the Construction Industry of Cyprus, which may act as an inspiration for future research. Finally, it aims to help management practice in an industry where HR expertise is limited and reward schemes are designed randomly, based on instinct and experience.