Construction Workers’ Involvement in Management Decision: A Bloemfontein Study

Abstract

Lack of employee involvement in management decision making process creates tensions between management and workers. This leads to accidents and work delay on construction sites with consequent decrease in project performance. This study explores the impact of employees’ participation in management decision process so as to ascertain its applicability as a tool for improved motivation in South Africa. The study adopts a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews within construction firms in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The research shows that the involvement of employee in management decision processes contributes greatly to effective task implementation, creates positive working environment and reduces employee stress level on site. Furthermore, the employee participation in decision making could lead to reduction in workplace tensions. Involvement of employees in management decision gives employees the sense of self belonging that enable them to contribute their best to an organization.