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Bevan, E A M and Yung, P (2015) Implementation of corporate social responsibility in Australian construction SMEs. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 22(03), 295-311.

Chiu, W Y B and Ng, F F (2015) Enhancement of organizational commitment through propensity to trust. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 22(03), 272-94.

Chiu, W Y B and Ng, F F (2015) Enhancement of organizational commitment through propensity to trust. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 22(03), 272-94.

Hwang, B-G, Zhao, X and Tan, L L G (2015) Green building projects: Schedule performance, influential factors and solutions. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 22(03), 327-46.

Lingard, H, Turner, M and Charlesworth, S (2015) Growing pains: Work-life impacts in small-to-medium sized construction firms. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 22(03), 312-26.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: organizations; small to medium-sized enterprises; small enterprises; work-life balance; human resource management; employees
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2014-0100
  • Abstract:
    Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to compare the quality of work-life experiences of workers in construction firms of differing sizes and explored the work conditions and circumstances that impact upon the work-life experiences of workers in small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Australian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected in two stages. First, data from a sub-set of construction industry workers were extracted from a large scale survey of workers in Victoria, Australia (the VicWAL survey). The survey measured work-life interference using the Australian Work and Life Index (AWALI). Next a subset of survey respondents was identified and interviewed to gain more detailed explanatory information and insight into work-life experiences. Findings - The survey results indicated that respondents who reported working for a construction firm with between 16 and 99 employees reported significantly higher AWALI scores (indicating high work-life interference) than workers in organisations employing 15 or less or more than 100 workers. The follow-up interviews revealed that workers in small construction organisations were managed directly and personally by the business owner/manager and able to access informal work-life supports that were provided on an “as needs” basis. In comparison workers in medium-sized firms perceived higher levels of work pressure and an expectation that work would be prioritised over family life. Research limitations/implications - The research shows that the findings of work-life balance research undertaken in large construction organisations cannot be generalised to SMEs. Organisation size should also be treated as an important variable in work-life balance research in construction. Practical implications - The research suggests that a better understanding of how workers in SME construction firms experience work-life balance is important in the design and development of work-life balance programs. In particular the challenges faced by workers as companies grow from SMEs require careful consideration and management. Originality/value - Previous research has focused on the work-life balance experiences of employees in large construction firms. Little was previously known about the experiences of workers in SME construction firms. The research provides new insight into the work-life experiences of construction workers in organisations of varying sizes.

Zhao, X, Hwang, B-G and Low, S P (2015) Enterprise risk management in international construction firms: Drivers and hindrances. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 22(03), 347-66.