Work Values and Related Construction Industry Perceptions of US Undergraduate Construction Management Students

Abstract

ABSTRACT Human capital management is a challenge faced by built environment employers that is amplified by the labor shortage. To stay competitive, employers must retain existing employees and recruit new talent. The modern workforce has different career expectations and overall work values than previous generations. The purpose of this research is to identify work values of recent construction management students along with their perceptions of a career in the built environment. Data were collected via a survey from a sample of students enrolled in three accredited 4-year Construction Management programs in the United States (located in Utah, Oklahoma, and South Carolina). Respondents ranked the significance of 21 work values as they related to their future careers. They also rated their perceptions of the industry along those same value statements. Findings indicated that the highest ranked work values were job security, opportunities to feel accomplished, and opportunities to earn a high income. Differences between stated work values and perceptions of the industry were also identified. Most notably, differences in requires meeting and speaking with many other people, provides job security, and requires supervising others are areas that warrant attention. An improved understanding of these work values will assist the industry in successfully recruiting and retaining this new generation of employees.