Motivation of Construction Workers in Latvia: Implications for Internal Social Impact Context in Construction Companies

Abstract

Research purpose. The construction sector is an important sector of national economies, where development is partly dependent on the behaviour of workers. Thus, the motivation of workers is an important element of organisational sustainability. The aim of this research was to examine the central tendencies of perceived importance of motivational factors and perceived workplace experience of these factors influencing employee motivation among construction workers in Latvia in order to draw implications for the organisational internal social impact context.

Design / Methodology / Approach. Two research methods were used – a survey and interviews. The questionnaire was divided into two thematic blocks focusing on the perceptions of the importance of motivational factors and the experience of such factors at the workplace, respectively. The questionnaire was designed in alignment with the hygiene and motivating factors of Herzberg’s Theory of Motivation. The interviews were designed to verify the results obtained through the survey. The survey was conducted among 153 construction workers in Latvia, and interviews were conducted with 5 managers and specialists in construction. The data were collected in spring 2024. The survey data were analysed using the descriptive statistics method, while interviews were examined by applying the content analysis method.

Findings. Latvian construction workers assigned a relatively high value to hygiene factors of motivation, such as timely remuneration, good working conditions and physical well-being, while assigning lower scores to motivating factors of a psychological nature, such as recognition for the well-completed activities and self-development. Similar tendencies were reported for the perceived experience of such factors by workers at construction companies, though with slightly lower satisfaction levels.

Originality / Value / Practical implications. The originality of this study lies in its recommendation to create a bridge between the worker motivation system and organizational internal social impact context. The findings imply that motivational factors should be evaluated not only as determinants of employee performance and satisfaction, but also as elements contributing to the broader internal social environment of organisations. Consequently, integrating employee motivation into the internal social impact context may encourage construction companies to adopt a more long-term and strategic approach toward workforce well-being, organisational stability, and sustainable organisational development.