A meta-analysis of factors affecting labour productivity of construction SMEs in developing countries

Purpose The global construction industry is significant to economic development, whereas the sector, particularly its small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have continued to suffer from low labour productivity for decades. This has given rise to the concern of relevant construction stakeholders on the need to address the challenges undermining labour productivity growth in construction. Hence, this study aims to conduct a meta-data analysis of factors that hamper productivity growth of construction SMEs in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of existing studies relative to factors affecting construction labour productivity (CLP) is presented. Thereafter, eight developing countries-based studies that are specific to SMEs were selected for meta-data analysis using relative importance index values from the studies. Findings The essential productivity influencing factors were identified and quantitative data of the selected studies were synthesised. The effect summaries derived from the meta-data analysis revealed that the most significant factors that negatively affect CLP amongst SMEs include: workers' skills, inadequate training, rework, management style and incentive to labour. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to scientifically analysed secondary data relative to SME contractors in developing countries. Practical implications The findings of the study can be adopted by construction stakeholders to evolve productivity growth policies for construction SMEs in developing countries. Originality/value Synthesis of quantitative data of different studies has lent deeper insight into a more realistic and scientific precision of factors affecting labour productivity of construction SMEs.