IMPERATIVENESS AND IMPLICATIONS OF MODERN WORK PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

The construction industry plays a significant role in developing a country’s economy. However, the success in this sector largely depends upon the per formance of its human resources engaged in different functions. The rapidly developing countries like Malaysia are primarily focusing on improving their infrastructure, ultimately giving rise to a boom in the construction industry, though still, not many studies focused on performance management via a modern working environment. Nonetheless, the present COVID-19 pandemic has driven industries to implement new/modern working methods, but it has yet to be assessed whether the new practices have changed job performance. Dwelling on that, this study explores the modern working possibilities, including flexible work schedules, sabbaticals, and telecommuting, as critical factors affecting employee performance engaged in the construction industry. The data was collected via a survey in Malaysia and then statistically analyzed Structural Equation Modelling. The findings suggest flexible work practices and sabbaticals as critical factors deemed to improve employee performance especially during the recent pandemic of COVID-19. Furthermore, telecommuting is identified as another assertive factor affecting construction performance. Thus, this study will serve as the baseline to further explore the role of these important performance attributes on construction as well as other industries.