Abstract
The construction industry requires quality control and regulation of its contingent,unpredictable environment. However, taking too much control from workers candisempower and demotivate. In the 1970s Deci and Ryan developed selfdeterminationtheory which states that in order to be intrinsically motivated, threecomponents are necessary - competence, autonomy and relatedness. This study aimsto examine the way in which the three ‘nutriments’ for intrinsic motivation may beundermined by heavy-handed quality control. A critical literature review analysesconstruction, psychological and management research regarding the control andmotivation of workers, using self-determination theory as a framework. Initialfindings show that quality management systems do not always work as designed.Workers perceive that unnecessary, wasteful and tedious counter checking of theirwork implies that they are not fully trusted by management to work without oversight.Control of workers and pressure for continual improvement may lead to resistanceand deception. Controlling mechanisms can break the link between performance andsatisfaction, reducing motivation and paradoxically reducing the likelihood of thequality they intend to promote. This study will lead to a greater understanding ofcontrol and motivation, facilitating further research into improvements in theapplication of quality control to maintain employee motivation.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 32nd ARCOM Annual Conference, 2016 |
Publisher | ARCOM |
Pages | 871-880 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-0-9955463-0-1 |
Publication status | Published - 07 Sep 2016 |
Event | 32nd ARCOM Annual Conference, 2016 - Manchester, United Kingdom Duration: 05 Sep 2016 → 07 Sep 2016 http://www.arcom.ac.uk/conf-intro.php |
Conference
Conference | 32nd ARCOM Annual Conference, 2016 |
---|---|
Country | United Kingdom |
City | Manchester |
Period | 05/09/2016 → 07/09/2016 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- human resources management
- motivation
- quality control
Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'Does Inappropriate Quality Control Demotivate Workers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Prizes
-
David Langford Commemorative Award for Social Impact
Brooks, Tara (Recipient) & J. Spillane (Recipient), Sep 2016
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Student Theses
-
Implementation and Effectiveness of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System in the Construction Sector in the UK and Ireland
Author: Brooks, T., Jul 2020Supervisor: Gunning, J. (Supervisor) & Spillane, J. P. (External person) (Supervisor)
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy