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Construction labor and skill shortages in Croatia: causes and response strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Ceric Anita

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Ivic Ivona

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

The construction labor is crucial to the construction industry, which is known globally for its creation of jobs at different skill and professional levels. The world's construction industry is currently experiencing a rapid recovery after the 2008 global crisis. This positive growth is also noticeable in Croatia. Nevertheless, the industry is experiencing a considerable shortage of skilled labor. First, this paper investigates the main causes of the current condition of the labor market through an extensive literature review and construction market analysis. Second, the case study of the Croatian construction labor market is presented. The longitudinal study of official statistical data shows that the total number of workers employed over the last 10 years has decreased significantly. There has been an increase in the number of unskilled workers and a decrease in the number of all other types of workers between 2016 and 2017. Following the literature review and market analysis, the response strategies for the problem of labor shortage in Croatian construction are provided and discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ceric Anita & Ivic Ivona, 2020. "Construction labor and skill shortages in Croatia: causes and response strategies," Organization, Technology and Management in Construction, Sciendo, vol. 12(1), pages 2232-2244, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:otamic:v:12:y:2020:i:1:p:2232-2244:n:14
    DOI: 10.2478/otmcj-2020-0019
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Abigail Powell & Katherine J. C. Sang, 2013. "Equality, diversity and inclusion in the construction industry," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(8), pages 795-801, August.
    2. Paul W. Chan & Andrew R. J. Dainty, 2007. "Resolving the UK construction skills crisis: a critical perspective on the research and policy agenda," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(4), pages 375-386.
    3. S. MacKenzie & A. R. Kilpatrick & A. Akintoye, 2000. "UK construction skills shortage response strategies and an analysis of industry perceptions," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(7), pages 853-862.
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