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Job satisfaction of South African quantity surveyors: an empirical study

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Bowen
  • Keith Cattell
  • Greg Distiller
  • Peter Edwards

Abstract

A web-based national questionnaire survey of the opinions of registered South African quantity surveyors was undertaken to establish their levels of job satisfaction. Issues explored included demographic factors; factors influencing job satisfaction; choice of career; gender and race in the workplace; and harassment and discrimination at work. Generally, it can be said that South African quantity surveyors like their jobs. Respondents tended to be poorly informed about career prospects when embarking on their careers and, although salary was a main driver in respect of career choice, many quantity surveyors 'drifted' into the career. However, most respondents claimed that they would choose the same career again. Important factors influencing job satisfaction for quantity surveyors were found to include: personal satisfaction in doing the work; a low degree of supervision; participating in decision-making; undertaking challenging and creative work; and receiving recognition for achievements. Not all motivators were present in the respondents' workplaces, particularly participation in decision making and receiving regular feedback on performance. Women quantity surveyors perceive the profession to be male dominated, especially with regard to attitudes towards maternity leave and flexible working hours. The findings provide a valuable basis for indicating how quantity surveying firms can create an environment more conducive to enhancing job satisfaction of professional staff.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Bowen & Keith Cattell & Greg Distiller & Peter Edwards, 2008. "Job satisfaction of South African quantity surveyors: an empirical study," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(7), pages 765-780.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:conmgt:v:26:y:2008:i:7:p:765-780
    DOI: 10.1080/01446190801998724
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Vieira, José António Cabral, 2019. "Climbing the Ladders of Job Satisfaction and Employees' Organizational Commitment: A Semi-Nonparametric Approach," IZA Discussion Papers 12787, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Ishfaq Ahmed & Sahar Latif Rana, 2011. "Jobs satisfaction mediates relationship between facets of job and citizenship behavior: a study of female employees of banking sector of Pakistan," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 3(4), pages 228-234.
    3. Anantha Raj A. Arokiasamy* & Jiyoung Park, 2018. "Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction in the Malaysian Automotive Industry," Sumerianz Journal of Business Management and Marketing, Sumerianz Publication, vol. 1(2), pages 63-72, 05-2018.
    4. Aftab Hameed Memon & Shabir Hussain Khahro & Nafees Ahmed Memon & Zubair Ahmed Memon & Ahmed Mustafa, 2023. "Relationship between Job Satisfaction and Employee Performance in the Construction Industry of Pakistan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-21, May.
    5. Jyoti Chauhan & Geeta Mishra & Suman Bhakri, 2022. "Career Success of Women: Role of Family Responsibilities, Mentoring, and Perceived Organizational Support," Vision, , vol. 26(1), pages 105-117, March.

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