Title

A study of craft worker length of employment at select missouri construction companies

Abstract

This study addressed a gap in the literature relative to craft worker length of employment. More specifically, it set out to provide a methodology for using readily available employee databases to assist construction companies in retaining their at-risk craft workers. Using a sample population of 10 of Missouri's 17 largest contractors, this study examined the employee databases to identify differences in mean length of employment based on hire age, craft, and company size. An analysis of variance was utilized to test three null hypotheses. Results lead the researcher to accept the null hypothesis that there were no significant differences between the mean length of employment for craft workers based on five hire age categories (16-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and 55 years & up). However, results indicated that operators had a statistically significant (0.05 alpha) longer length of employment than did carpenters, laborers, and iron workers. Also, results indicated that craft workers at medium-sized companies had a statistically significant longer length of employment than did craft workers at small and large construction companies. The researcher recommended future studies to address why craft workers at medium-sized construction firms and operators in general would have a greater mean length of employment.

Department(s)

Technology and Construction Management

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/15578770802494607

Keywords

Construction, Craft worker, Retention

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Journal Title

International Journal of Construction Education and Research

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