Integration-communications training for improving productivity and conflict resolution strategies among culture and language diverse construction sites

Abstract

This article quantifies the effect of communication and conflict on the performance of construction crews with Hispanic workers. Sixty-nine Hispanic and US construction workers completed a test measuring the frequency, type, and resolution of conflict. Conflict theory is used to explain how multicultural construction crews are impacted in terms of workers’ productivity, safety, and quality of work. The results show that greater friction on the jobsite produces negative effects on various aspects of construction work. Language barriers were identified as the most frequent reason for conflict. Communications training was tested using an integration approach in which Hispanic labourers and US workers learned from each other. Such training substantially increased construction language knowledge and alleviated many conflicts on the jobsite.