AN ASSESSSMENT OF MOTIVATION TECHNIQUES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS IN QUANTITY SURVEYING FIRMS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Quantity surveying an important part of the construction industry plays a vital role in thedeliveryofconstructionprojects.Indeliveringitsservices,theprofessionreliesonhuman resources. However despite their significant role in the construction industry their performancehasnotbeenimpressive.Constructionindustryischaracterizedwithpoorproject performance and their role in this poor performance cannot be overlooked as they contribute significantly to the outcome of construction projects, be it positively or negatively. Therefore, the motivation of these human resources is therefore necessary if optimum productivity is to be achieved. This research therefore assessed the impact of motivation techniques on the performance of Quantity surveyors in quantity surveying firms in Abuja Nigeria with a view of providing better quality service delivery through optimum motivation of its human resources. The study employed the use of survey design in which 46 Quantity surveying consultancy firms in Abuja were sampled through the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, mean item score, ANOVA, t-test, Gap Analysis and Correlation Analysis. The study discovered that the motivation techniques adopted most by these firms are the use of money given to employees for their performance, quality training and setting of targets. despite the importance recognition opportunities and job enrichment techniques, their level of adoption is still low. The major challenges hindering the success of employee’s motivation in are; poor remuneration, lack of incentives, and favourable condition, non-encouragement room management, failure to recognize employee’s performance/efforts, unfavourable company policy, lack of avenue to improve and absence of job security. The study therefore concluded that although more riority is given to the popular motivation techniques which are the use of money, quality staff training and setting of targets, these techniques are not all sufficient in their entirety as not all have significant impact on the workers. Other motivational techniques that are equally important such as organizing employees effort, creating venue or growth and viding job enrichment programs, can be adopted to improve employee’s motivation and achieve optimum productivity. It was therefore recommend that quantity surveying firms should be flexible in their choice of motivation techniques and management should encourage their workers when necessary and recognize their performance thereby creating and atmosphere for improvement. The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors should make it a point of duty to enlighten Quantity surveying firms through seminars, workshops and conferences on the importance of employee motivation, so as to achieve optimum productivity from its human resources.