A Measurement Model of Labor Productivity in High-Rise Building  Construction Projects

Tewakun Chankampom; Korb  Srinavin

Authors

Tewakun Chankampom Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Korb Srinavin Khon Kaen University, Thailand

Keywords:

measurement model, labor productivity, high-rise building

Abstract

Construction labor productivity is a critical determinant of project performance in residential high-rise construction, particularly within dense urban environments. This study empirically examines the hierarchical structure of factors influencing labor productivity in Thai residential high-rise construction projects located in Bangkok and its metropolitan areas. A quantitative approach was employed using questionnaire data collected from 336 construction personnel, including engineers, site supervisors, and skilled workers. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied, with a second-order measurement model used to capture the multidimensional nature of labor productivity. The results validate a five-factor first-order structure comprising Equipment/Tools, Materials, Safety, Motivation, and Weather, which collectively constitute an overarching productivity construct. Among these factors, Equipment/Tools shows the highest standardized loading, highlighting its prominent role in urban high-rise construction. The second-order CFA provides a quantified hierarchy of productivity determinants, offering insights beyond conventional single-level analyses. The findings are context-specific and should be interpreted within the scope of Thai residential high-rise construction projects. Practically, the validated hierarchical structure supports more informed prioritization of productivity-related factors under typical resource constraints in high-rise projects. This study contributes to construction management research by operationalizing labor productivity as an empirically grounded hierarchical construct and provides a foundation for future contextual extensions.

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