Cultural differences in motivation factors influencing the management of foreign laborers in the Korean construction industry

• Published in: International journal of project management 2015-10, Vol.33 (7), p.1534-1547
• Main Authors: Kim, Sangyong, Kim, Jin-Dong, Shin, Yoonseok, Kim, Gwang-Hee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Construction industry; Cross-cultural management; Cross-cultural studies; Cultural differences; Discriminant analysis; Foreign labor; Korea; Management theory; Manual workers; Motivation; Studies
• ISSN: 0263-7863; 1873-4634
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.05.002

This study was motivated by the view that cultural differences should be taken into account in the management of Korean and foreign workers on construction sites. We identify motivation factors that are influenced by the cultural differences of the laborers, and their effects on productivity. Based on the results of a preliminary survey of field technicians with at least 15years of work experience, a final set of 27 factors was included in a questionnaire: 5 economic factors, 11 social factors, and 11 psychological factors. Taking cultural differences into account, motivation factors that can have an impact on productivity were determined and broken down by nationality, based on the analysis results. The findings of this research can be used to stimulate social awareness and build an appropriate systemic police. The results can also be used to help develop a management plan based on cultural differences between foreign workers in the construction industry. •Important aspect for management of foreign workers in the Korean construction industry•Identified motivation factors influenced by cultural differences•Reference to established cultural dimension and likely worker preferences linked to them