Human Resource Management in the Nigerian Construction Firms: Practices and Challenges

Improvement on human resource management is critical to overall productivity and cost effectiveness in the construction industry. This study assesses the current human resource management practices in the Nigerian construction organisation and the challenges confronting it. Questionnaire survey was adopted for data collection while the sampling technique was purposive. Ninety eight human resource managers and construction professionals in two categories of construction organisations (client organisations involved in housing development and contractor organisations) were sampled. The results reveal that due process was followed in the recruitment process but the selections of desired candidates were often hampered by interferences and competitive work conditions. Furthermore, training and development practices were superficial, involving orienting newly recruited employee on facilities for optimum performance rather than developing employee job related competences. Provision of appropriate/modern working tools and equipment and provision of incentives and benefits to staff were the prevailing motivation and labour union practices. Challenges facing human resource management practice in the Nigerian construction industry include high labour turnover, interference at the selection stage, competitive wages and compensation issues among others. Further research is required to assess the impact of identified human resource practices on productivity and project performance.