KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KUMASI, GHANA. An exploration of management styles used in Ghanaian construction firms By Kofi Damoah Baffoe (BSc. Building Technology) A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Building Technology, College of Art and Built Environment in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE NOVEMBER, 2016. CERTIFICATION PAGE I hereby declare that this submission is my own work towards the MSc Construction Management and that, to the best of my knowledge, it contains no material previously published by another person, nor material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree of the University, except where due acknowledgement has been made in the text. Kofi Damoah Baffoe (PG3554115) (Student) ………………………………………. Signature Certified by: Dr. Joseph Kwame Ofori-Kuragu (Supervisor) ………………………………………. Signature …………………………..… Date Certified by: Dr. Theophilus Agyei-Kumi (Head of Department) ………………………………………. Signature …………………………..… Date ii ABSTRACT Management styles have been known over the years to influence the output of employees in various fields of human endeavour of which the construction industry is no exception. The aim of this study is to identify the various management styles popular amongst construction firms in the Accra metropolis and factors affecting their selection. The objectives outlined by the study to help achieve this aim were to identify the major management styles from literature, to identify the popular management styles in construction firms in the Accra metropolis and lastly to identify the important factors managers should consider when choosing management styles. Widespread literature was reviewed and data collected through the use of questionnaire and interview. Respondents consisted of construction managers mainly from registered building contractors in the registration category of D1K1. Relative importance index was the main statistical tool used to analyse data gathered. The study revealed that the respondents had in-depth knowledge on all the management styles under study, it however settled on the participative and the bureaucratic styles as the two most popular styles in the metropolis which could be attributed to the all-inclusive nature of the participative style and the formal procedures that characterise the bureaucratic style. It also emanated from the study that productivity of workers and discipline were the leading factors to consider amongst the seventeen factors reviewed. Attributed to this finding could be the use of employee output as a measure of a firm’s performance. The study concludes by admonishing managers to focus on the desirable characteristics of the management styles rather than use the style wholly. It also recommends further studies on the influence of the ranking factors on management styles. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS CERTIFICATION PAGE ..........................................................................................................ii ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................................................... x DEDICATION .......................................................................................................................... xi TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... iv LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................. viii LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. ix CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................ 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY .................................................................................... 1 1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ................................................................................... 2 1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................... 2 1.4 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY....................................................................................... 3 1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY..................................................................................... 3 1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY .................................................................................................... 3 1.7 METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY ................................................................................. 4 1.8 ORGANISATION OF THE STUDY .................................................................................. 4 CHAPTER TWO ....................................................................................................................... 5 LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................................................................... 5 2.1 MANAGEMENT STYLES ................................................................................................. 5 2.2 TYPES OF MANAGEMENT STYLES .............................................................................. 7 2.3 MANAGEMENT STYLES EXPLAINED.......................................................................... 8 2.3.1 Conservative ..................................................................................................................... 9 2.3.2 Entrepreneurial .................................................................................................................. 9 2.3.3 Professional ....................................................................................................................... 9 2.3.4 Bureaucratic .................................................................................................................... 10 2.3.5 Organic ............................................................................................................................ 10 2.3.6 Authoritarian ................................................................................................................... 10 2.3.7 Participative .................................................................................................................... 11 2.3.8 Intuitive ........................................................................................................................... 11 2.3.9 Familial ........................................................................................................................... 11 iv 2.3.10 Altruistic ....................................................................................................................... 12 2.4 HYBRID MANAGEMENT STYLES ............................................................................... 12 2.4.1 Thornton’s Big 3 Management Styles. ........................................................................... 12 2.4.1.1 Direction ...................................................................................................................... 12 2.4.1.2 Discussing .................................................................................................................... 12 2.4.1.3 Delegating .................................................................................................................... 13 2.5 MANAGEMENT STYLES AND CULTURE .................................................................. 13 2.6 MANAGEMENT STYLES AND PRODUCTIVITY ....................................................... 15 2.7 CONSIDERATIONS IN ADOPTING A MANAGEMENT STYLE ............................... 16 2.7.1 Division of work ............................................................................................................. 16 2.7.2 Authority and Responsibility .......................................................................................... 16 2.7.3 Discipline ........................................................................................................................ 17 2.7.4 Unity of Command ......................................................................................................... 17 2.7.5 Unity of Direction ........................................................................................................... 18 2.7.6 Subordination of Individual Interest for the Common Good .......................................... 18 2.7.7 Remuneration of Personnel ............................................................................................. 19 2.7.8 Scalar chain ..................................................................................................................... 19 2.7.9 Order ............................................................................................................................... 19 2.7.10 Equity ............................................................................................................................ 19 2.7.11 Stability of personnel tenure ......................................................................................... 20 2.7.12 Initiative ........................................................................................................................ 20 2.7.13 Esprit de corps............................................................................................................... 20 CHAPTER THREE ................................................................................................................. 21 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................. 21 3.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 21 3.2 RESEARCH STRATEGY ................................................................................................. 21 3.3 THE POPULATION .......................................................................................................... 22 3.4 SAMPLE SIZE .................................................................................................................. 22 3.4.1 Sample size calculation ................................................................................................... 22 3.5 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE ............................................................................................... 23 3.6 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION .............................................................................. 23 3.7 ANALYSIS OF DATA...................................................................................................... 24 3.8 ETHICAL APPROVAL .................................................................................................... 25 v 3.9 DATA PRESENTATION .................................................................................................. 26 CHAPTER FOUR .................................................................................................................... 27 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .............................................................................................. 27 4.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 27 4.2 RESPONSE RATE ............................................................................................................ 27 4.3 GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 28 4.3.1 Length of work ................................................................................................................ 28 4.3.2 Organisation type ............................................................................................................ 29 4.3.3 Management Role ........................................................................................................... 30 4.3.4 Firm ownership ............................................................................................................... 31 4.3.5 Range of employees ........................................................................................................ 32 4.3.7 Profession of firm owners ............................................................................................... 33 4.4 IDENTIFYING THE POPULAR MANAGEMENT STYLES ........................................ 34 4.4.1 Conservative management style ..................................................................................... 35 4.4.2 Entrepreneurial management style .................................................................................. 36 4.4.3 Professional management style ....................................................................................... 37 4.4.4 Bureaucratic style............................................................................................................ 38 4.4.5 Organic management Style ............................................................................................. 39 4.4.6 Authoritarian management style ..................................................................................... 40 4.4.7 Participative/ Democratic Management Style ................................................................ 41 4.4.8 Intuitive Management Style ............................................................................................ 42 4.4.9 Familial Management Style ............................................................................................ 43 4.4.10 Altruistic management style ......................................................................................... 44 4.4.11 Results on ranking for all management styles .............................................................. 45 4.4.13 Discussion of results ..................................................................................................... 46 4.5 IDENTIFYING FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING MANAGEMENT STYLES ....................................................................................................................... 48 4.5.1 Discussion of results ....................................................................................................... 49 vi CHAPTER FIVE ..................................................................................................................... 52 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................. 52 5.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 52 5.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ............................................................................................. 52 5.3 IDENTIFICATION OF THE MAJOR MANAGEMENT STYLES FROM LITERATURE. ............................................................................................................ 52 5.4 IDENTIFICATION OF THE POPULAR MANAGEMENT STYLES IN GHANAIAN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS. ......................................................................................... 53 5.5 IDENTIFICATION OF THE IMPORTANT FACTORS MANAGERS CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING MANAGEMENT STYLES. ..................................................... 54 5.6 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................. 54 5.7 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................... 55 5.7.1 Recommendation on management style ......................................................................... 55 5.7.2 Recommendation on factors for consideration ............................................................... 55 5.7.3 Recommendations for further studies ............................................................................. 56 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................ 57 APPPENDIX............................................................................................................................ 65 vii LIST OF TABLES Table 4.1: Conservative management style ............................................................................. 35 Table 4.2: Entrepreneurial management style ......................................................................... 36 Table 4.3: Professional management style............................................................................... 37 Table 4.4: Bureaucratic management style .............................................................................. 38 Table 4.5: Organic management style ..................................................................................... 39 Table 4.6: Authoritarian management style ............................................................................. 40 Table 4.7: Participative management style .............................................................................. 41 Table 4.8: Intuitive management style ..................................................................................... 42 Table 4.9: Familial management style ..................................................................................... 43 Table 4.10: Altruistic management style ................................................................................. 44 Table 4.11: popularity and importance scale ........................................................................... 45 Table 4.12: Ranking of factors affecting choice of management styles .................................. 48 viii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 4.1: Length of work with company .............................................................................. 28 Figure 4.2: Organizational structure ........................................................................................ 29 Figure 4.3: Management role ................................................................................................... 30 Figure 4.4 firm ownership........................................................................................................ 31 Figure 4.5 Range of employees ............................................................................................... 32 Figure 4.6: Profession of firm owners ..................................................................................... 33 Figure 4.7: Management styles ................................................................................................ 47 Figure 4.8: Management styles ranking ................................................................................... 51 ix ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many are those who have contributed in diverse ways to make this long essay possible. I am highly grateful to all for the contributions made. While I cannot mention everyone’s name here, it is important for me to acknowledge the contributions of few but not the least, the contributions of those whose help has made this work possible. To the Almighty God, for bringing me this far on this academic journey and granting me the enabling environment, good health and strength as well as all the needed resources – to God be the glory and honor. I also wish to express my profound gratitude to Dr. Kwame Ofori-Kuragu, my project supervisor for his untiring support, expert guidance, valuable comments, suggestions, assurances and hope for me. My sincere thanks go to all the members of my Construction Management class, who assisted me in getting some of the much needed information for my literature review and data analysis and Michael Ahinkan Bosompem for his kind support and sincere words of encouragement. I would also like to express my profound appreciation to my family and friends especially my mum and my brother, Kofi Baffoe-Sarpong. To all who have assisted me in diverse ways during the span of this program, I wish to express my sincerest thanks. God bless you all. x DEDICATION This work is dedicated to the almighty God in whom I live and move and have my being, Mum, Dad and siblings with love and affection. You make life worthwhile! xi CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY The construction industry, like any other industry, is reliant on productivity of its workforce. According to Uche (2012), this is influenced by variables such as co-ordination, commitment to work, co-operation with one another, type of management, and the community. If the workforce is to achieve these productivity variables, the onus lies on the manager to adopt the right management style which may be either people-oriented or task-oriented to achieve the set targets of the organisation (Quang, 2002; Hartzell, 2006). Styles used by managers vary from one industry to the other and sometimes even amongst managers in the same industry. The character exhibited by the manager, to a very large extent, defines his style. However, studies show that these exhibited styles do not sway from the globally accepted ones which are categorized under the following: charismatic, persuasive, consultative, transactional, transformational and delegating styles as echoed by McGuire (2005); bureaucratic and Restrictive as opined by Worrall (2004).The aforementioned categories are the recent research findings on management styles. The construction industry, like any other business establishment, is a profit driven one and hence the onus lies on the stakeholders to ensure optimum productivity by converting available resources efficiently and effectively to increase its market value. This will encourage patronage and hence increase profit in an industry which has been bedeviled by the global economic downturn in recent times (Robles et al., 2014) 1 1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The fear of all nations, the world over, in relation to their economies is a downturn in productivity, because it has the tendency to generate inflationary pressure, social conflict and mutual suspicion (Ameh and Osegbo, 2011).The problem is, most construction companies in Ghana are likely to adopt tested and tried practices mainly due to the fact that Construction industry is characterized by intense competition and very expensive projects whose contracts have punitive measures when quality and time are not adhered to. Managers therefore focus on delivering projects on time, within budget and of good quality at the expense of their subordinates. Bearing in mind that there are so many people involved it the construction process, construction managers ought to focus equally on people management through their management styles as well as administrative works. Studies by Ammeter and Dukerich (2002) and Berezina (2012) show that though there are many factors that determine the success or failure of projects and that management style is an important parameter to determine the success of a project. Another school of thought advocates the need to employ genuine construction managers who will inculcate people management in their task-oriented approach to construction projects (Ofori, 2008). 1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVE Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the various management styles popular in Ghanaian construction firms and factors affecting their selection. It will also be desirous to proffer recommendations leading to the adoption of the desirable characteristics among the explored management styles. 2 Objective: The objectives of this study were 1. To identify the major management styles from literature; 2. To identify the popular management styles in Ghanaian construction firms and 3. To identify the important factors managers consider when choosing management styles in Ghanaian construction firms. 1.4 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY The industry welcomes people from all walks of life with different backgrounds and cultural diversity therefore there is the tendency of misinterpretation of managers gesture or action. 1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY A careful review of studies on the subject area reveals that there’s a relationship between productivity and management styles (Berezina, 2012). The study therefore seeks to know the type of management style prevalent in the Ghanaian construction industry. The study will also recommend findings to players in the industry and other spheres of endeavour who may find the information useful. 1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY Geographically, the research was limited to the Accra metropolitan area due to its undeniable importance in the history and development of Ghana. Studies have shown that economic growth in Ghana is largely tilted towards the capital, Accra; more than 60% of the registered building contractors are known to operate officially in the Greater Accra region (Ahadzie, 2007; Ayisi, 2000).Respondents consisted of construction managers mainly from registered building contractors in the registration category of D1K1. 3 1.7 METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY The research strategy adopted for the study is the quantitative approach. Moreover the study made use of questionnaire and interview as the data collection instruments. Collected data were analysed using the relative importance index (RII). 1.8 ORGANISATION OF THE STUDY This study comprised of five chapters. Chapter one was the introduction of the study. The sections under this chapter was the background of the study, statement of the problem, aim and objective of the study, limitation of the study , significance of the study, scope of the study, methodology of the study and organisation of the study. Chapter two focused on literature review whiles chapter three concentrated on the methodology of study .Chapter four was presentation and analysis of the results. Lastly, chapter five also covered the conclusion, summary and recommendations based on the findings. 4 CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 MANAGEMENT STYLES The framework adopted by managers to blend productivity variables and other work related functions in order to bring out the best in the workforce is termed the management style (Schleh, 1977; Uche, 2012). Management style is not an event; it is a continuous and progressive way of directing the labour force under the jurisdiction of a manager to achieve the common goals set by the organisation. This, the manger does by churning the myriad resources at the organisations disposal to generate the agreed output (Field and Dubey, 2001). Management styles have varying definitions. One school of thought sees it as a means by which a manager executes his core managerial functions by focusing on the sub goals, forming and application of a strategy, enhancing the image of the company and ensuring stakeholder involvement. There are no standards when it comes to managerial style choices, conditions in the firm bring about variances in the styles. The research further reiterates that a management styles should not be seen as a manual on dos and don’ts as manager but as guide to achieving the set goals of a firm (Quang and Vuong, 2002). It is also worthy to note that construction managers unlike other managers assume different postures at different stages in the construction process, this due to the fact that he is likely to encounter well educated persons during the pre-construction stage where discussions can be easily assimilated and therefore likely to adopt an aiding approach whereas a semi-educated and sometimes uneducated labour force could be encountered during the construction process (Ahmed, 2010). 5 Many accomplished managers have been known to require adequate time to have positive influence on the organisations or companies within which they may find themselves. This is in tune with the adage “experience is the best teacher” but this was debunked in a study in South Florida by Ahmed (2010) where he concluded that time had no effect on management styles used and that there is no variance between the styles of experienced and inexperienced managers. Prior research findings indicate that, the construction world over years has been struggling to identify which management styles suit the industry. Different schools of thought argue that situations determine the kinds of management styles to adopt (Vroom and Jago, 2007; Bennis, 2007). Though, management is undeniably a very important facet in the built environment, irrespective of the field of work. Studies have shown that delving into management styles still remains a grey area in the construction industry owing to the fact that knowledge about the industry is limited (Langford, 1995; Ahmed, 2010). The story is however different in other sectors where extensive research has been done on management styles and how it affects their various fields of endeavors (Bresnen et al., 1986; Ahmed, 2010). Though not explicitly defined, no one can dispute the fact that the common characteristic to all these definitions is that management requires a great deal of influence as opined by Zaccaro (2007). This influence, according to Vroom and Jago (2007) could be born out of Threats, the promise of rewards, well-reasoned technical arguments, and inspirational appeals. 6 2.2 TYPES OF MANAGEMENT STYLES The journey to find appropriate management styles for managers dates back several years. The task becomes even more herculean when it is narrowed down to applying the known management styles to specific organisations. That is to say naming a management style which best suits the construction industry remains a mirage (Khandwalla, 1995b). The following are some of the scholarly views on the types of management styles. These management styles have been influenced either by traditions due to the fact that the researchers come from different geographical location or type of organisation. Japan is one of the pioneers in using management styles, after the country’s successful economic spell. Abo (2015) opined that researchers tilted towards the management styles that had made Japan an economic giant on the globe. The suggested management styles that aided their economic turnaround stressed on paternalism, lifetime employment, seniority, lifelong learning, collective decision making, hard work, cooperation ethics, continuous adaptation and improvement. Among the scholars who capitalized on knowledge of the Japanese management styles was Khandwalla (1995a, 1995b) who came up with a concept that sought to group management styles as follows; risk taking, technocracy, flexibility, participation and authoritarianism (Quang and Vuong, 2002).Efere (2005) in a more recent publication asserted that the most commonly used styles are authoritarian, coercive, authoritative, democratic, affiliative, permissive, indifferent, coaching, pacesetting, visionary, bureaucratic and defensive styles of management which did not differ from the research by McGuire (2005) in which he suggested charismatic, persuasive, consultative, transactional, transformational and delegating styles. 7 The pioneers of research into management styles came out with styles which did not differ much in practice to the recent ones. Entrepreneurial, planning and adaptive types as suggested by Mintzberg (1973); organic and mechanistic styles of management were also churned out by Burns and Stalker (1961). Authoritarian and participative was also proposed by Likert (1961, 1967). Blanchard (1994) popularized management styles by cutting the number down to four. Namely, directing, supporting, coaching and delegating. The managerial grid, as it is popularly known in management circles, was also conceptualized by Blake and Mouton (1975) in which it reveals impoverished management, country club management, middle of the road management, team management and task management styles as the basis for all management styles being discovered. 2.3 MANAGEMENT STYLES EXPLAINED Khandwalla (1995) brought to bear ten significant management styles namely, conservative, entrepreneurial, professional, bureaucratic, organic, authoritarian, participative, intuitive, familial, and altruistic. Management styles come in different names and forms and is influenced by tradition, geographical location and organisational culture. However, all management styles the world over have similar characteristics which have been captured in detail subsequently in this study and therefore beneficial in describing what styles may be prevailing in a given country (Culpan and Kucukemiroglu, 1993). The flaw in using the two concepts could stem from the fact that the criteria in developing the models covers a wide range or scope and will be very difficult using it when comparing management styles between companies. This, Quang and Vuong (2002) address in their study on Vietnamese management styles by merging the two concepts deduced by Culpan and 8 Kucukemiroglu which aids him analyse the management style and uses Khandwalla’s to define the management practices. This research shall take cue from the Vietnamese research and pick the following management styles as the ones to be researched into amongst Ghanaian contractors. Below are literally views on management styles as opined by scholars. 2.3.1 Conservative The conservative management style according Quang and Vuong (2002) is biased for conserving and using whatever has worked. It’s also careful in innovating and changing the already .This affects firm’s diversification and growth in familiar directions. Traditions that preserve the strong holds of the past are also followed religiously 2.3.2 Entrepreneurial This management style calculates risk and noted for pioneering new construction ideas. It is innovative and encourages rapid growth. The entrepreneurial style is usually recommended for developing countries to help diversify its industrial base and increase its output rapidly (Naldi et al., 2015). The entrepreneurial style is the toast of many managers, this is so because according to Chaston (1997) there is a noticeable shift in managers adopting this style but is quick to advice that managers should check its appropriateness with their organisational structure before its implementation. 2.3.3 Professional The professional style adapts a science based approach to management. Here, complex management tools and procedures and employed to plan for a long term. This style is helpful in managing new and complicated technology driven industries in sophisticated, global environments (Quang and Vuong, 2002) 9 2.3.4 Bureaucratic The style, as explained by Bakhtari (1995) emphasizes on orderliness together with accountability, formalisation of rules, regulations, and procedures are the hallmark of this management style. It is extensively common in large organisations and the public sector to ensure efficiency. 2.3.5 Organic The organic style encourages deep commitment to flexibility. Its innovative, responsive and interactive nature makes it ideal for operating in fast changing environments. This, Datta et al. (2005) agree and further recommend it’s use since it is employee centered by design. 2.3.6 Authoritarian The authoritarian management style as described by McBer and Company (1980) sees the style as very firm but fair. Managers willing to adopt this management style should be in the position to provide a clear direction creating no ambiguity in the roles of each subordinate a view shared by Thau et al. (2009). McNamara (2003) concurs with the above definition and further reiterates that the style is also called autocratic which presupposes that the manager is the final authority in decision making and can only attain set objectives by applying constant pressure amidst possible resistance from subordinates The perception according to other research hubs is that it is useful in situations with very weak work ethic and an unfriendly work environment due attribute of preaching discipline and obedience (Khandwalla, 1995). 10 2.3.7 Participative This style has been described by many scholars such as Kalliny et al. (2007) as being participative. It requires the manager to develop trust for his subordinates to an extent that he values their participation in decision making. Managers who adopt this style rarely give negative remarks or take punitive action against their subordinates. However, McNamara (2003) warns that because several meetings are held between the manager and his subordinates with the aim of soliciting views, the manager has the tendency of losing control as a result of familiarity. The researcher further states that it is a good management style to adopt on large projects since it thrives on empowerment and delegation of subordinates to execute works. Efere (2005) also observed that the democratic style is committed to an ideology of consensus-based decision-making and ensures that varied opinions are expressed. The main advantage in practicing this management style is that it is self-motivating and promotes cooperation amongst workers. 2.3.8 Intuitive The intuitive management style hinges on the ideology that the manager should have faith in experience and must be mostly guided by common sense and instinctive judgment relying on good rules of thumb or experimental learning. Aarum (2000) further concludes that 25 percent of managers are hooked to the style which emanates from Jung’s typology, a world acclaimed model for testing human behavior. 2.3.9 Familial The fulcrum on which this management style revolves is loyalty and togetherness. The manager must therefore treat his employees like members of the family and look after their needs in order to accomplish the set goals in an increasingly modernizing industry (Slevin and Pinto, 2004). 11 2.3.10 Altruistic The altruistic management style is pinned on the philosophy that companies should seek the good of the communities in which they operate and that the primary focus of the manager should not be only profit maximisation. It has proven to work in emerging societies that have started major nation building and poverty lessening goals (Quang and Vuong, 2002) 2.4 HYBRID MANAGEMENT STYLES Situations change in a mangers quest to manage his or her company very well. It is against this background that certain scholars see it prudent to have a mixed management style to stand the test of changes and time in an organisation. They argue that the hybrid ones are more advantageous compared to sticking to one management style. Some of the renowned hybrid management theories are discussed below. 2.4.1 Thornton’s Big 3 Management Styles. Thornton was convinced in his scholarly work that the management styles encompassed three main facets namely, directing, discussing and delegating. 2.4.1.1 Direction The direction management style is a member of the Thornton’s Big 3 management styles. It places absolute control in the managers’ hands and it is the responsibility of the manager to as part of his journey at achieving company goals to assign duties and roles among subordinates. Subordinates are rewarded or punished according to their response to the manager (Blanchard, 1994). 2.4.1.2 Discussing Gutterman (2015) also concluded that Managers willing to adopt this style should have a good listening ability in that it involves a lot of dialogue. Subordinates are allowed to share 12 their opinions on a subject matter. The discussing style enables subordinates to have a good rapour with their manager and this goes a long way to forge commitment. The discussing style rewards subordinates according to the number of meaningful contributions they make in discussions as well as openness in sharing information with the group. 2.4.1.3 Delegating The delegating style is the last of Thornton’s big three management styles. The major characteristic associated with this style is that it gives subordinates space to operate by giving them autonomy. This, Mahmood et al. (2012) in their review of management theories agreed and further stipulate that the only caution in adopting this style is that it cannot be used where subordinates are ill-trained as well as by managers who wants to assume all roles. It also requires a reliable reporting and feedback system due to the absence of the manager most of the times. Shahmandi et al. (2013) agrees with this assertion and points out that the delegation style is significantly linked to programs aimed at developing management. 2.5 MANAGEMENT STYLES AND CULTURE The debate on management style has never underestimated the influence of social culture. This is because studies have shown that in as much as researchers seek to come out with the appropriate management styles, the way a group of people live must be taking cognisance of. Owing to the diversity in personnel characterising construction work-force, efforts should be geared towards meeting the needs and expectation of the entire workforce without disrespecting ones culture. Even though culture differs significantly from one geographical location to the other, there is always a core style which permeates all forms of culture, the management style adopted by the manager should locate this style and vary it to suit the local setting (Evans et al., 1989; Quang & Vuong, 2002).Multinational companies bid and land projects in other jurisdictions 13 which have completely different cultures from their country of origin, this has the tendency of breeding misunderstanding as languages which may be deemed fit for use in your area of operation might be disrespectful to use in another area. The management style chosen should have a mechanism to deal with such problems arising from cultural differences. Mohammed (2009) buttresses this point in his scholarly work where he admonishes project managers to be sympathetic enough to comprehend the cultural requirement of the people they work with. Studies further single out feedback and communication in times of bad news as some of the major instances the manager ought to be aware of cultural diversity as these can cause serious disruption to the project environments if not handled well (Slevin and Pinto, 2004). Quite often in a manager’s mission to solve this canker, companies resort to instituting their own cultures which is based on the tenets of the organisation. This enables the entire workforce to follow the organisational culture in spite of his or her nationality. Studies have revealed that the cultural dimensions of power distance, individualism and uncertainty of avoidance as conceptualized by Hofstede are experienced throughout the period of executions of any project of which the construction industry isn’t an exception (Mohammed, 2009). The national culture, the culture of the individual working teams, and the organisational culture leaves the manager with a headache of first unravelling these different groups of cultures and secondly merging them to form a common culture acceptable by the entire work force (Earley and Mosakowski, 2004).It is paramount that the choice of a management style inculcates in it a perfect suite to help address the myriad number of people involved in the construction industry. This will ensure that aside the manager’s main aim of achieving ultimate goals of the project, the delicate needs of the entire workforce will also be met (Hoffer et al., 2002). 14 2.6 MANAGEMENT STYLES AND PRODUCTIVITY Culpan and Kucukemiroglu (1993), Khandwalla (1995a, 1995b) and Quang & Vuong (2002) have in their respective scholarly works laboured to establish a link between management styles and productivity. This led to the development of two distinct models aimed at studying management styles and its effect on organisations effectiveness. The model contained six different parameters to compare management styles. These parameters are style of supervision, method of decision-making, patterns of communication, mechanisms of control, relationship between departments and paternalistic orientation. In spite of the fact that the research was limited to Japan and America, the study revealed that whereas the Japanese were more concerned with communication patterns, relationship between departments and paternalistic approach, the Americans focused on style of supervision, method of decisionmaking as well as mechanisms of control (Culpan and Kucukemiroglu, 1993; Quang and Vuong, 2002). Research further exposes that management style is one of the key factors which determines an organisation’s wellbeing. This is because the welfare of the individual workers in the organisation is linked to the general output of the organisation. A good management style therefore seeks to as matter of importance positively influence the performance levels of the organisation. This, it does through properly organising of the people and putting in proper mechanisms to ensure unity and striving to achieve a common goal (Quang and Vuong, 2002).The worry is, knowing that the construction industry is transient in nature which presupposes that both the manager and the labourer have a limited time to co-exist coupled with the fact that most construction firms in the country are foreign owned and headed by expatriates and therefore there is the tendency to breed misunderstanding as are result of language barrier. Due to these factors, managers in the construction industry concentrate 15 more on delivering the project rather than concentrating on relationship between the workforce (Toor and Ofori, 2008; Ahmed, 2010). 2.7 CONSIDERATIONS IN ADOPTING A MANAGEMENT STYLE Pioneers in the management field such as Henry Fayol postulated 14 principles as the watch word for all mangers in their pursuit for suitable management styles in their areas endeavour. Even though contemporary managers have altered or deviated from these principles, the core values of Fayol’s principles till date still remain the fulcrum upon which management decisions revolve (Rodrigues, 2001). 2.7.1 Division of work Management systems which is the hallmark of contemporary construction management is hinged on the principle of specialization and division of labour where it preaches on the attainment of economic benefits by encouraging mutual cooperation in the work place where various department work towards a common goal (Harris & McCaffer,2013).Division of labour according to Rodrigues (2001) refers to the decentralization of works to ensure that all workers get their fair share of the works at the organisations disposal. This is normally achieved by specialization of the workers for special jobs. The researcher further admonishes managers to desperately seek a balance between centralization and decentralization. This is because inability to attain an acceptable midpoint could lead to organisational ineffectiveness. 2.7.2 Authority and Responsibility The responsibilities bestowed on the manager must be accompanied by corresponding authority to help the manager to control affairs both formally and informally (Rodrigues, 2001).Pathak (2012) reckons that it is the single most important asset that a manager must possess to succeed in that authority gives him the power to make decisions and enforce it. This will ensure that his duty of accountability is duly fulfilled in the best possible way. The 16 study further acknowledges that for effective and efficient job target realization, this principle must be adhered to religiously. 2.7.3 Discipline In spite of the authority being exercised by the manager, there need to be a set rules and regulations to help instill discipline in the workforce (Rodrigues, 2001).This, Pathak (2012) agrees and further advices managers to be clear with their rules, reward those who obey them and have punitive measures for employees who go contrary to the rules. 2.7.4 Unity of Command Rodrigues (2001) explains this principle as simply the acknowledgement of one boss as the main source of all instructions. There should be no ambiguity as to the chain of command in a manager’s mission to achieve his set goals. Studies has exposed that when a firm's manager is entangled with decisions pertaining to other departments, it breeds conflicting ideas which in organizational theory such an affiliation enhances strong and unambiguous leadership whereas agency theory advocates that it limits monitoring roles of the manager (Hofstede, 1994). Pathak (2012) agrees with the studies by Fayol and other contemporary researchers and further enlightens in his study on the merits and demerits of the principle of unity of command as follows: unity of command averts multiple subordination; it defines a clear responsibility matrix for all employees and lastly it breeds harmony between managers and employees. Its further commented in his study that if tenets of this principle are not adhered to it plunges firms into a state of confusion with no clear management style. 17 2.7.5 Unity of Direction Though often confused with unity of command, Pathak (2012) reiterates the vast the difference between them when he wrote that unity of direction has to do with the galvanization of the effort of all employees towards the attainment of a common goal. This principle however, requires a common plan monitored by the manager for every specific task or activity. When done right it helps to achieve a systematic working atmosphere and thereby quickens the pace of project delivery (Rodrigues, 2001). 2.7.6 Subordination of Individual Interest for the Common Good The driving force behind this principle is that, all employees should sacrifice their personal interest for the organisational good. Owing to this managers should recruit workers who are willing to sacrifice their individual interest to help the company grow (Rodrigues, 2001). Another school of thought argues that the employees could focus on their own objectives so far as it is linked to the objective of the organisation. The study further expatiates that it is the primary duty of the manager to provide directional assistance to the employees to ensure that the organisations goals are realized without jeopardizing the individual goals (Pathak, 2012) Melé (2012) argues that the firm should not be seen as merely a group of people who are bound by contract to perform. It should be fashioned in such a way that the firm is acknowledged as a human community in which the common good is the prime motive. The manager should therefore focus on appropriate communication and ensure participation in matters which affect the life of the employees. Scholarly works on this principle have penciled the following as the advantages and disadvantages of sticking to this principle. Among the advantages are that it enhances employee’s respect for the firm and ensures coordination amongst employees and the 18 organisation. Unfortunately, misapplication of this principle could render the achievement of organizational goals a mirage since it will demotivate employees and render them unproductive (Pathak, 2012) 2.7.7 Remuneration of Personnel This refers to the fact that employees should be adequately rewarded for the work done. The underlining principle here is that in as much as employees ought to be motivated enough from salaries and other packages, it has to meet allowed thresholds of the organisation (Rodrigues, 2001). 2.7.8 Scalar chain This demonstrates the hierarchy or chain of command in an organisation. It more or less stipulates that the communication in an organisation should be well defined. That is either vertically or horizontally. Fayol however advices that the vertical form of communication should be encouraged at all times, this form involves subordinates reporting to superiors and the superiors also channeling information down in order or seniority. The horizontal means should be used only when permission has been sought (Rodrigues, 2001). 2.7.9 Order This principle ensures orderliness for both personnel and materials alike. Everybody should work on his assigned job. Materials and working tools should be in their right places at the right time (Rodrigues, 2001). 2.7.10 Equity The manager should exhibit fairness but firmness on the job. This will go long way to promote loyalty among the work force. The manger despite his task orientation should as much as possible balance it with care for the workers so as not to breed animosity (Rodrigues, 2001). 19 2.7.11 Stability of personnel tenure Every organisation stands to gain a lot from experienced personnel in that with time workers grow to understand the organisational culture of a company .The manager should therefore put adequate measures in place to ensure that the workers enjoy their work place so as to ensure longevity (Rodrigues, 2001). 2.7.12 Initiative The human nature is tailored to live and work in their comfort zones and therefore very adamant to change but as part of managerial duties change should be effected when need be. It is therefore paramount that manager psyches his employee’s to accept these changes. Honesty and good communication should be the hallmarks of in the managers’ quest to make these changes (Abudi, 2010). A good manager thrives very much on initiating and putting new ideas in vogue. The risk taking from bringing on new ideas enables the work force to have faith in you since they believe you have full control over what you do (Rodrigues, 2001). 2.7.13 Esprit de corps It is imperative that manager galvanizes unity among his subordinates. Every task executed at the work place should be done in unison so as to get the best out of the workers (Rodrigues, 2001). The goals of management can easily be achieved with the introduction of a good culture of esprit de corps, this is so because it breeds a sense of belonging which encourages members to take pride in, be loyal to and above all accept responsibilities without qualms (Yusof and Adam, 2004) 20 CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY 3.1 INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to explore management styles among Ghanaian construction firms. This chapter is tailored to help achieve the goals of the study and gives a comprehensive explanation of the research methodology employed, the data requirements, as well as the statistical methods adopted to help address the set objectives and for analysing the collected data. Encompassed in this chapter are also the sampling technique used, the study catchment area, study population, study strategy, data collection tools and data collection technique. 3.2 RESEARCH STRATEGY Bouma and Atkinson (1995) described research strategy as the suitable methodology adopted by a researcher to achieve set aims and objectives. In agreement Kothari (2004) opined that, qualitative and quantitative researches are the known forms of research strategies. Berg (2001) opined that whereas qualitative research emphasizes on the ways of understanding social theories by stressing on the relationship between the study area and the researcher in question by seeking the opinions of people by observation, descriptions and making implied meanings into a concept, Quantitative research according to Creswell (1994) is the systematic experimental investigation into a study through numerical techniques and uses statistical tools for analysis (Burns and Grove, 2001).The study is an exploratory research which falls under the qualitative research strategy. 21 3.3 THE POPULATION The population of the study consists of construction managers of building construction firms in the D1K1 category. Owusu (2008) enlightened readers in his study on the criteria for classification used by the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing and Ministry of Roads and Transport, when he remarked that firms in the categories of 1 and 2 are generally large firms and those in the categories of 3 and 4 are smaller firms and further educates that the above mentioned ministries are the only two state institutions mandated to coordinate building and road construction activities in Ghana.The Ministry of Water Resources Works and Housing (MWRWH) estimates an approximate number of a hundred and eight (108) D1K1 contractors in the Accra metropolis. 3.4 SAMPLE SIZE In selecting the sample size, the study took cognisance of the fact that there are numerous methods used in determining the sample size. Among them are, using a census for small populations, adopting the sample size of similar studies, using published tables, and finally applying formulas to calculate a sample size. It was therefore paramount for the study to clearly define the target population and sample size (Owusu, 2008). 3.4.1 Sample size calculation The study picked at least one construction manager from a construction firm which presupposes that the number of respondents equaled the population size. The sample size was therefore calculated mathematically as follows using the Yamane (1967) formula as cited in Atuahene (2016): 22 Where: n = sample size N = Population size e = level of precision (for the purpose of the study, a confidence level of 95% and 5% precision level was used) n = 108 / 1+ (108) 0.052 n= 85.039 approximately 85 respondents Therefore; An approximate number of 85 construction managers formed the sample size for the study. No further adjustment was made to the estimated sample size. 3.5 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE The population was defined with the objectives of the study in mind. The purposive sampling technique was adopted and took cue from similar studies by Culpan and Kucukemiroglu (1993).The sampling technique used to identify these construction managers was purposive because of the need to select managers who have requisite information on the subject matter so as to minimize the tendency of rejection. The sample of this study consisted of 85 construction managers in selected construction firms in the Accra metropolis. The managers were selected from firms in the database of registered building contractors in the registration category of D1K1. This is so because these registered firms have a clear definition of whom a construction manager is. 3.6 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION The method of data collection was by questionnaires and structured interviews. The questionnaires consisted of open ended and close ended questions as well ranking of options where necessary for quantitative data collection. 23 The close-ended questions in some instances had two or more response options. The Likert response scale was used to measure the strength of respondents’ view. The questionnaire had questions which were easy to understand, devoid of technical terms to minimize probable mistakes from the respondents. Likewise, the number of questions in each section was minimised to encourage respondents to have time in responding to the questions. Taking cognisance of the suggestion by Frazer and Lawley (2000), the questionnaires were piloted by trying it out on a small number of respondents having features similar to those of the desired group of respondents. After the pilot process, it was restructured based on the reaction received, making it more consistent to focus on the core issues and for easy reading. The questionnaires were partly personally administered and some sent via email to the respondents upon consultation. Two weeks was designated for the data collection due to the busy nature of the respondents’ work and the possible challenges of they might face with internet access. The questionnaire had a consent letter as an introductory page where the aim of the study and the possible benefits were explained. In the letter, respondents were assured of confidentiality of the information provided as well as anonymity. Respondent’s right to pull out from the study at any time was also allowed. The interviews were conducted by the researcher mainly in the local dialect and then answers filled up in the questionnaire. Interviews were also the main means by which data was gathered, which hitherto could be captured in the literature review. 3.7 ANALYSIS OF DATA The data have been churned into an understandable computer language and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and Microsoft Excel. According to Pallant (2013), the software is a good analytical tool with abilities to tackle scientific as well as social science data. 24 The Relative Importance Index (RII) tool was also employed. Mathematically it is defined as follows Relative Importance Index (RII) = ∑ (aixi) WxN Where; ai is the frequency/tally of the factors xi is the weights given to each factor, and ranges from 1 to 5 (1 being the least and 5 the highest) W is the highest weight attainable N is the total number of respondents This tool aids in finding which variable among the lot has the most impact on the particular question being posed to the respondents. Relative Importance index therefore gives further information which transcends a mere collation of data, finding percentages and averages of collected data (Tonidandel and LeBreton, 2011). 3.8 ETHICAL APPROVAL It is paramount that all survey conducted is done in a manner so as not to infringe on the rights of the respondents. Kelley et al. (2003) reiterated that it is necessary to assure respondents of confidentiality of the information they provide as well as attaining their informed consent. It is against this background that all data received were treated with ultimate confidentiality as outlined in the introductory letter and in line with the code of practice of the school of graduate studies of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. 25 3.9 DATA PRESENTATION The results obtained were illustrated graphically using pie charts, histograms and other representation techniques. Further insights into the results have been done through a vivid discussion of the results and conclusions and recommendations made. 26 CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 4.1 INTRODUCTION The results of the study are thoroughly discussed in this chapter. General information on the respondents as well as their respective years in the construction industry heralds the discussion and will be catered for by data received for questions in section A of the research questionnaire. The discussion is done with the objective of the study in mind; questions in section B and C of the questionnaire have been tailored to fulfill one of the main objectives and have been categorized into two main sections. Management styles in relation to construction are also discussed with the aim of ascertaining the most popular ones. Various factors which according to literature contribute to or influence the choice of a construction manager’s style is also discussed to rank which is more important. 4.2 RESPONSE RATE A total of eighty five (85) questionnaires were distributed to the target respondents and seventy two (72) representing 84% were received. Therefore the non-response rate is 16%. 27 4.3 GENERAL INFORMATION 4.3.1 Length of work The study sought to have an idea on the background of the respondents. The first on the list of catalogued general information was on the experience of the respondents. Of the 72 Questionnaires returned 30 of them had less than 5 years working experience with their respective companies, representing 42% of the total respondents approached. Twenty-eight (28) of the managers had between 11-15 years working experience, representing 39% of the respondents. A low 12% had between 11 to 15 years working experience which constituted 9 managers among the lot. The last category was managers with more than 15 years working experience which recorded 5 representing 7%. This is shown in figure 4.1 below. Length of work with company 7% 12% Less than 5years 42% 5-10 years 11 – 15 years More than 15years 39% Figure 4.1: Length of work with company Source: Field survey, 2016 28 4.3.2 Organisation type The next general information the study sought to know is the organizational type of the firms in which the managers manned. 4 of the respondents worked for sole proprietorship firms, 4 for partnership firms, 64 for limited liability companies and none for joint venture firms. The various organizational types have 5%, 6%, 89% and 0% respectively. Figure 4.2 graphically shows the distributions accordingly. Organizational Type 0% 5% 6% Sole proprietorship Partnership Limited Liability company Joint venture 89% Figure 4.2: Organizational structure Source: Field survey, 2016 29 4.3.3 Management Role Further to above mentioned information, the study took interest in the managerial role each manager occupies. The roles tabled were human resource which recorded 9 managers, plant and equipment also recording 6, Quality had 5, health and safety polled 4,commercial managers also recorded 27 and as well as managers who performed all roles which not surprisingly had 21. The above is represented as 12, 8, 7, 6, 38 and 29 percentage wise respectively. A graphical illustration is displayed in figure 3.3 below Management Role 12% Human resource 29% 8% Plant and equipment Quality 7% Health and Safety commercial 6% 38% Figure 4.3: Management role Source: Field survey, 2016 30 All the above. 4.3.4 Firm ownership The study also enquired from respondents whether or not the firm owners also worked for the firm, a significant 50 managers representing 69% said yes and 22 representing 31% said no. figure 3.4 below paints the actual picture. Firm Ownership 31% Yes No 69% Figure 4.4 firm ownership Source: Field survey, 2016 31 4.3.5 Range of employees The number of employees a manager mans might to large extent affect the management style and its effectiveness. To ascertain the truism in this statement the study asked the managers the number of employees in their firms of operation. 29 respondents had less than 50 employees representing 40 % of the respondents whereas 12 representing 17 % had 50-150 employees. The last range category of more than 150 employees had 31 respondents representing 43 %.This is illustrated in figure 3.5 below. Range of Employees 40% 43% Less than 50employees 50 – 150employees More than 150employees 17% Figure 4.5 Range of employees Source: Field survey, 2016 32 4.3.7 Profession of firm owners The last general information the study wanted to find out was the profession of the owners of the firms the respondents worked for. Entrepreneurs top the list of firm owners according to the respondents with 40 respondents answering in the affirmative representing 56% of the population which was followed by engineers with 13 representing 18% of the population. Quantity surveyors had 10 which is 14% of the population. 9 respondents had their firm owners being another profession other than the above mentioned which constituted 12%. Figure 3.7 throws more light on the distribution. Profession of Firm Owners 12% 18% Engineer Quantity surveyor 14% Entrepreneur Others 56% Figure 4.6: Profession of firm owners Source: Field survey, 2016 33 4.4 IDENTIFYING THE POPULAR MANAGEMENT STYLES The main research question posed in section B of the questionnaire was to explore the various management styles as established by literature. The uniqueness about this study is that apart from merely establishing the most used management style in the Accra metropolis .The research also attempts to among other things establish respondents understanding of the various characteristics that make the various management styles. This will to large extent enable the study to conclude whether or not a management style is popular, it can boast of certain desirable qualities which could be merged with others to come out with a hybrid management style suitable for the industry. The respondents were asked to choose how often they use a particular management style, this they did by telling how often they used the characteristics pertaining to the style. The Relative Importance Index (RII) tool is widely used for the analysis of the results obtained in sections B and C. The RII has an ultimate score of 1.0 hence all RII scores churned out for the various parameters will be compared to a bench mark score of 1.0. It enables the study to know how popular a variable is as well as shed light on its importance if need be. 34 4.4.1 Conservative management style The conservative management style mainly comprised three main characteristics. The first of which was the manager’s ability to preserve and roll onto other jobs technics which had worked on previous jobs which was seen as second most popular trait in the conservative style with a RII of 0.69. The middle characteristic was the ability of the manager to innovate cautiously which had an RII score of 0.64 and the last of the characteristics was the preservation of traditions which was the most popular and also deemed the most important should you require the conservative approach. It had a RII score of 0.71.This to a large extent suggests that even though managers are not oblivious of the other characteristics they are most often tilted towards the traditional methods of doing things which could stem from their tested and tried nature. Table 4.1: Conservative management style CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT STYLE ITEM CHARACTERISTIC 1.0 Preserve and extend whatever has worked before on my RII SCORE 0.69 projects 2.0 Cautious in innovating and / or changing status quo. 3.0 Use traditions that preserve the strengths of the past. Source: Field survey, 2016 35 0.64 0.71 4.4.2 Entrepreneurial management style The manager’s ability to indulge in calculated risk during a project’s execution was tested for under the entrepreneurial management style. The RII score was 0.77 surpassing respondent’s appetite to pioneer new ideas on the field. It however was adjudged the less popular when it was compared to respondents seeking the speedy growth of the organisation which recorded RII scores of 0.71 and 0.80 respectively. The results thus show that the managers resolve to minimise or completely avoid risk on a job is important therefore the need to foresee certain misfortunes and put corrective measures in place before they happen so as to minimise its impact. The result further reiterates the fact that managers are not so keen in using their work places to champion new ideas which could also be linked to parameter one since new ideas are potentially risky. They however attach importance to rapid growth of their firms despite all the odds. Table 4.2: Entrepreneurial management style ENTREPRENUERIAL MANAGEMENT STYLE ITEM CHARACTERISTIC RII SCORE 1.0 Indulge in calculated risk taking before embarking on a 0.77 decision 2.0 Pioneer new construction ideas on my construction site 0.71 3.0 Seek the rapid growth of the firm 0.80 Source: Field survey, 2016 36 4.4.3 Professional management style The professional management style is also characterised by three characteristics. One would expect that with the advent scientific approach to work in different fields, the construction manager’s affinity to the scientific approach of management would come up tops on the ranking. However, even though the managers acknowledged the importance of science and the use of sophisticated management tools which is evident in respective RII scores of 0.68 and 0.59. A 0.76 RII score was allotted to long term planning in their fields of endeavour. This suggests that planning in the construction sector in the metropolis is deemed very important by the managers and also presupposes they are gradually migrating from manual systems of work to the scientific methods. Table 4.3: Professional management style PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT STYLE ITEM CHARACTERISTIC RII SCORE 1.0 Adapt scientific optimisation oriented approach to 0.68 management. 2.0 Employ sophisticated management tools and 0.59 techniques. 3.0 Undertake long range planning. 0.76 Source: Field survey, 2016 37 4.4.4 Bureaucratic style Recording a RII score of 0.83, accountability for works executed in the bureaucratic management style was adjudged the most important according to the respondents. The following are the other traits relating to the above mentioned style; orderliness at the work place and formal rules and regulations which had an RII score of 0.78 and 0.81 respectively. The study can therefore infer that the respondents hold in high regard the accountability of the firm due to the fact that the industry is a profit driven one and guarding against losses is paramount. Table 4.4: Bureaucratic management style BUREAUCRATIC MANAGEMENT STYLE ITEM CHARACTERISTIC RII SCORE 1.0 Emphasize on orderly management. 0.78 2.0 Ensure accountability on all work activities 0.83 3.0 Formalisation of rules, regulations, and procedures 0.81 Source: Field survey, 2016 38 4.4.5 Organic management Style The organic management style is noted predominantly by the following characteristics, setting up teams to brainstorm on works concerning the firm, exhibiting intense commitment to flexibility and being responsive to changes in the firm. Though the managers consider these as important characteristics for their course of work they gave an RII score of 0.68, 0.69 and 0.68 respectively. Construction is mainly composed of teams driven by gang leaders or team leaders; hence it comes as no surprise that the managers saw it as the most important characteristic among the three. Table 4.5: Organic management style ORAGANIC MANAGEMENT STYLE ITEM CHARACTERISTIC RII SCORE 1.0 Show deep commitment to flexibility 0.68 2.0 Responsive to change. 0.69 3.0 Set Teams who and interact and give feedback based 0.68 on decision arrived Source: Field survey, 2016 39 4.4.6 Authoritarian management style The authoritarian management style as the name implies preaches discipline and respect for authority and many other traits. For the purposes of this study, 3 main characteristics have been considered namely; emphasis on discipline which has a RII score of 0.65, preference to a standard style of ancient times also having a RII of 0.57 and the last being adoption of a stern approach when the subordinates present a hostile environment recording an RII of 0.59. Construction is a venture which dates back from the medieval ages and has most of its materials having roots from decades back; hence there’s is a difficulty if managers completely ignore the tenets of old, it therefore comes as no surprise that the managers tilted to using standard styles. Table 4.6: Authoritarian management style AUTHORITARIAN MANAGEMENT STYLE ITEM CHARACTERISTIC RII SCORE 1.0 Emphasis on discipline and obedience 0.65 2.0 Prefer standard style of ancient times 0.57 3.0 Adopt stern approach in firms with weak work ethic 0.59 and a hostile task environment. Source: Field survey, 2016 40 4.4.7 Participative/ Democratic Management Style On the face analysis one would expect that all the characteristics would get very high RII scores since democracy is much acclaimed especially in the political circles as the best way to lead or govern. However, in spite of the fact the respondents acknowledged through the RII scores that it’s a very popular management style they had other ideas on its exponents. The following are the characteristics and their corresponding RII scores; merging the manager’s ideology with his subordinates had 0.81, building consensus on decision making had 0.81 and finally fostering motivation and cooperation polled 0.84. The managers backed the characteristic that conferring with your subordinates before a decision is taken is very vital in their sight. This could partly be due to the fact that they want to avoid mistakes in decision making since some subordinates may have experience in the issue on board and therefore their contributions could not be overlooked. Table 4.7: Participative management style PARTICIPATIVE /DEMOCRATIC MANAGEMENT STYLE ITEM CHARACTERISTIC RII SCORE 1.0 Merge my ideology with that of my subordinates. 0.81 2.0 Consensus-based decision-making. 0.81 3.0 Foster motivation and cooperation 0.84 Source: Field survey, 2016 41 4.4.8 Intuitive Management Style The characteristics of the intuitive management style by their RII scores goes to suggest that they are not popular in practice compared to the earlier observed characteristics. The main characteristics are show of confidence in the experienced workforce with an RII score of 0.64, common sense should over ride scientific approach also with an RII score of 0.58 and last but not the least making spontaneous judgements but allowing subordinates to learn on their own also with an RII score of 0.57. Table 4.8: Intuitive management style INTUITIVE MANAGEMENT STYLE ITEM CHARACTERISTIC RII SCORE 1.0 Show faith in experience. 0.64 2.0 Use common sense rather than scientific approach. 0.58 3.0 Make spontaneous judgments and allow subordinates to learn 0.57 on their own. Source: Field survey, 2016 42 4.4.9 Familial Management Style The familial as the name implies sees the whole work fraternity as a family. The main characteristics are that it encourages cohesiveness and loyalty which had an RII score of 0.79, also treating employees like family members, which also had an RII score of 0.78 and the last parameter had to do with looking after employees very well and also recorded an RII score of 0.77. Employees make a company’s clock tick; this is so because they are the main actors in any working environment. The managers thought it wise to see to their employers needs first to ensure that their managerial spells are successful. Table 4.9: Familial management style FAMILIAL MANAGEMENT STYLE ITEM CHARACTERISTIC RII SCORE 1.0 Believe in cohesiveness and loyalty to organisation. 0.79 2.0 Treat employees like members of the family. 0.78 3.0 Look after the needs of employees. 0.77 Source: Field survey, 2016 43 4.4.10 Altruistic management style The RII scores for the altruistic management style suggest that its characteristics are not popular amongst managers. As shown in table 10.0, the idea that the organisation is for social good scored 0.62, the philosophy that the firm exists only to make profit scored 0.63 and the characteristic which champions a school of thought that this method is good for developing societies scored 0.63. The respondents are not ignorant of the style since every characteristic had a score; the construction industry is a profit generating venture so it comes as no surprise that the profit making idea appealed to the respondents. This could be linked to question 7 in section where entrepreneurs were adjudged to the leading in terms of firm ownership. Table 4.10: Altruistic management style ALTRUISTIC MANAGEMENT STYLE ITEM CHARACTERISTIC RII SCORE 1.0 Believe in the philosophy that the organisation is an 0.62 instrumentality of some larger social good. 2.0 Sees management as merely not for profit maximisation. 3.0 Adopt in developing societies that have embarked on major 0.63 nation building and poverty alleviation goals. Source: Field survey, 2016 44 0.63 4.4.11 Results on ranking for all management styles Table 4.11: popularity and importance scale MANAGEMENT 1 2 3 4 5 TNR TWS STYLE Participative/ MEAN RII R SCORE 1st 0 2 13 33 24 72 295 0.82 Bureaucratic 0 4 15 26 26 72 291 0.81 2nd Familial 0 4 22 26 21 72 280 0.78 3rd Entrepreneurial 1 6 17 27 20 72 274 0.76 4th Organic 4 9 20 30 9 72 247 0.69 5th Conservative 1 11 23 31 6 72 246 0.68 6th Professional 1 15 21 26 9 72 243 0.68 6th Altruistic 8 11 22 26 5 72 226 0.63 8th Authoritarian 8 15 22 22 5 72 217 0.60 9th Intuitive 4 21 21 23 2 72 215 0.60 9th Democratic Source: Field survey, 2016 45 4.4.13 Discussion of results The respondents had knowledge on all the management styles being studied which was encouraging. The most popular amongst the lot was the participative or democratic style as known in other circles. The respondents deemed it as the most important with an RII of 0.82.This could stem from the fact that most managers have adopted the listening approach where managers and subordinates share ideas before decisions are taken. The bureaucratic management style closely followed the participative in rank 2 with a RII score of 0.81. This cements the fact that managers are used to formal and orderly ways doing things rather than in a haphazard manner The intuitive and the authoritarian management styles were adjudged the least popular management styles according the Ghanaian construction managers and also regarded as the least important among the styles recording an RII of 0.60. The familial management style was ranked third with an RII score of 0.78 on the popularity and importance scale which suggests that construction managers buy the idea of making the workers feel at home by embracing family tenets in their managerial skills. The fourth position is occupied by the entrepreneurial management style and recorded an RII score of 0.76; this came as no surprise since the study also revealed that a greater percentage of firm owners are entrepreneurs which might influence choice management styles. The organic management style placed fifth on the ranking table with an RII score of 0.69 to establish its status in the Ghanaian construction circles as the fifth most important management style in the view of the construction managers in the Accra metropolis. There wasn’t much to separate the conservative and professional management styles as all had RII scores of 0.68 and together placed sixth on the ranking. This affirms the construction 46 manager’s acknowledgement of the need to integrate professionalism in his quest to execute his or her project successfully without sacrificing tested and tried methods which are the hallmark of the conservative management style. Occupying the eighth most popular slot with a RII score of 0.63 is the altruistic management style whose characteristics did not appeal to the construction managers perhaps due to its inclination to the social fabric which may be alien to the Ghanaian setting. Figure 4.8 below gives a picturesque idea of the distribution of the popularity and importance of all the ten management styles under study. 0.90 0.80 0.70 0.60 0.50 0.40 0.30 0.20 0.10 0.00 MANAGEMENT STYLES RII Figure 4.7: Management styles Source: Field survey, 2016 47 4.5 IDENTIFYING FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING MANAGEMENT STYLES The manager’s hunt to select a suitable management style is influenced by certain factors. The study catalogued seventeen of these factors as literature has established and asked managers to rank them in order of importance. The factors and the results for the ranking are as shown in table 4. 13. Table 4.12: Ranking of factors affecting choice of management styles FACTORS RII SCORE RANK 1 Productivity of workers 0.88 1st 2 Discipline of the employees 0.83 2nd 3 Supervisory Approach 0.83 2nd 4 Chain of command (hierarchy) 0.83 2nd 5 Control mechanisms 0.81 5th 6 Number of employees 0.79 6th 7 Duration of the project 0.79 6th 8 Care for employees. 0.79 6th 9 Organisational interest first before that of workers 0.78 9th 10 Orderliness at work setting. 0.78 9th 11 Maintenance of team spirit 0.77 11th 12 Fairness 0.77 11th 13 Unity of direction (one plan one manager) 0.76 13th 14 Division of work 0.76 13th 15 Implementation of new ideas. 0.76 13th 16 Remuneration for employees. 0.75 16th 17 Culture of the area project is sited 0.70 17th Source: Field survey, 2016 48 4.5.1 Discussion of results Generally, all the factors were all deemed important. This is evident from the results obtained from the field study compiled in table 13.0 above. None of the seventeen factors had a RII score lesser than 0.70 which is a very strong indication of how the managers perceive these factors. However, as in indicated in table 13.0, the managers hold in high regard the productivity of its workers and hence given it RII of 0.88 and placed first. There was no difference established in terms of importance amongst three of the factors namely Employee Discipline, the supervisory approach used by the manager and the order of command which all had a RII Score of 0.83 and placed a joint second. Recording a RII score of 0.81, mechanisms for control was adjudged by the respondents as the fifth most important factor to consider when choosing a management style for construction purposes. Three other major factors which influenced the choice of management style is the number of employees at the manager’s disposal, the duration allotted to execute the project on hand and the care for employees together placed sixth on the importance scale with a RII score of 0.79. This buttresses the importance managers attach to their human resource and time on a project. The following results makes interesting discussing in that, the study reveals a shocking trend where two factors join in one position in three consecutive ranks. This brings out the fact that there isn’t much to choose between these factors as the respondents rank them with equal measure in terms of importance. In a joint ninth are orderliness at the work setting and placing organizational interest before that of workers which both had RII scores of 0.78. In eleventh position on the scale are 49 maintenance of team spirit and fairness at the work place which both recorded RII score of 0.77 and the last are a triplet of factors involving unity of direction in terms of the manager’s plan of action, division of work to maximize participation of all parties on site and the implementation of new ideas which together placed thirteenth with a RII score of 0.76. According to the respondents, employee remuneration and the culture of the people in which the job is situated are the least important factors for consideration when choosing a management style. They had RII scores of 0.75 and 0.70 respectively placing them on the sixteenth and seventeenth positions accordingly. Figure 4.9 below is a graphical presentation in bar chart of all seventeen factors against the relative important index scores. 50 RELATIVE IMPORTANCE INDEX 1.00 0.90 0.80 0.70 0.60 0.50 0.40 0.30 RII 0.20 0.10 0.00 Figure 4.8: Management styles ranking Source: Field survey, 2016 51 CHAPTER FIVE CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 INTRODUCTION Catalogued in this final chapter are the summary of the findings of the study and the conclusions drawn in relation to these findings. The chapter additionally recommends various management styles suitable for use in the Accra metropolis and factors to consider before a management style is settled on. Further to that the study also recommended specific areas of study to delve into in subsequent research works. 5.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The study was motivated by the aim of identifying the various management styles popular in construction firms in the Accra metropolis and factors affecting their selection with three core supporting objectives, which are identifying the major management styles from literature, identifying the popular management styles in Accra metropolitan construction firms and finally to identify the important factors managers consider when choosing management styles. 5.3 IDENTIFICATION OF THE MAJOR MANAGEMENT STYLES FROM LITERATURE. The study revealed that several types of management styles are in use. However, ten of them were found to contain most of the desirable characteristics. They are participative, familial, altruistic, authoritarian, professional, bureaucratic, entrepreneurial, conservative, organic and intuitive management styles. The study further acknowledges the need to dwell on the desirable characteristic and merge them to suit one’s working environment irrespective of the names they bear. 52 5.4 IDENTIFICATION OF THE POPULAR MANAGEMENT STYLES IN GHANAIAN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS. The participative management style is the most popular management style amongst construction managers in the Accra metropolis. The style obtained an average RII score of 0.81 making it indisputably the most important management style in the metropolis. The study can confidently conclude that construction managers prefer the listening management style where contributions from other players are welcomed. Despite the respondents desire to ensure an all-inclusive management, the manager has is eyes still fixed on the profit generation which catapulted the bureaucratic management style to rank 2 with an impressive RII score of 0.83. The conclusion however, is that though some of the management styles had low RII scores there is no denying the fact that some of their traits soared high in the ranking and therefore managers could mix these traits despite its origin to achieve set goals in the industry. Special mention can be made of characteristics which accumulated equal or higher than 70% of the ultimate score of one such as seeking the rapid growth of the firm from the entrepreneurial management style; treating employees like family members, believe in loyalty to the organisation, placing employees need first which are all characteristics of the familial management style; undertaking long term planning from the professional management style and lastly preservation of old practices with a proven track record from the conservative management style. 53 5.5 IDENTIFICATION OF THE IMPORTANT FACTORS MANAGERS CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING MANAGEMENT STYLES. The stand out factor is the productivity of workers which had an impressively high RII score of 0.88 .This buttresses the point that in the managers’ quest to his project goals, productivity is the most paramount variable on his scale of preference. This could be because most project successes are measured based on productivity. Discipline of employees on site is greatly linked to how the supervisor does his work and definition of hierarchy to show line of authority. The findings agree with the above assertion in that all three factors with the above mentioned core values placed a joint second affirming their inseparable nature and importance to the construction manager on site. Further to the findings from the study, is that the number of employees on the job is as important as the care you give to them which is evident from their RII score of 0.79 for each and also reflected in the RII score of 0.75 for remuneration for the employees. 5.6 CONCLUSION The study can conclude that the use of management styles in the Accra metropolis is very popular amongst construction managers and that it very important for any construction manager to select a management style he intends to use for a project since its importance cannot be over looked. The study concludes that management styles with characteristics which embrace allinclusiveness like the participative style are successful in the Accra metropolis. It further buttresses the fact that styles which promote accountability without sacrificing the family-like relationship between managers and subordinates are also preferred. Typical examples are the familial and bureaucratic styles respectively. 54 It worthy of mention that the following five factors namely productivity of the workers; employee discipline; methods of supervision; ways to control materials, labour and plant and lastly a clear definition of chain of authority should be of utmost priority when choosing a management style. 5.7 RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations have been suggested taking cognizance of the findings of the study with the aim of identifying the various management styles popular in construction firms in the Accra metropolis and factors affecting their selection. 5.7.1 Recommendation on management style The study recommends the use of the desirable characteristics of the various management styles instead of sticking to a prevalent management style whose tenets might not suit the demands of the day. 5.7.2 Recommendation on factors for consideration The study recommends that the manager deduces a way to measure the actual effect of the suggested factors on his management style on project by project basis since the construction industry is very dynamic and the probability of the factors changing on another project might be very high 55 5.7.3 Recommendations for further studies Further to the above mentioned recommendations, the study proposes that subsequent studies be conducted on the influence of the high ranking factors on management style. 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This study will help profile the styles that exist in the Ghanaian Construction Industry and offer suggestions on factors to consider when selecting management styles. This study is solely for academic purposes and your responses will be treated as STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. Participating organizations will be provided with the findings of the study upon request. I would like to thank you for accepting to assist and cooperate towards this study. Yours Sincerely, Kofi Damoah Baffoe Dr Joseph Kwame Ofori-Kuragu MSc Student Project Supervisor Mobile: 024 2334703/ 0261824698 Department of Building Technology Email: [email protected] KNUST - Kumasi 65 SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Please choose your option by clicking its corresponding box) 1. How long have you been working with your current company? ☐ Less than 5years ☐ 5 – 10years ☐ 11 – 15 years ☐ More than 15years 2. Please indicate your organizational type? ☐ Sole proprietorship ☐ Partnership ☐ Limited Liability company ☐ Joint venture 3. What management role do you play in your company? ☐ Human resource ☐ Plant and equipment ☐ Quality ☐ Health and Safety ☐ ☐ All the above. Commercial 4. Are the owner(s) of this firm also workers in the firm? ☐ Yes ☐ No 5. Please indicate the range of employees in your firm? ☐ Less than 50employees ☐ 50 – 150employees 150employees 6. In terms of numbers which gender dominate in your organization? ☐ Males’ ☐ Females 7. What is the profession of the owner(s) of the firm? ☐ Engineer ☐ Quantity surveyor ☐ Entrepreneur ☐ if others please specify…… varied………………….. 66 ☐ more than SECTION B: MANAGEMENT STYLES ASSESMENT INSTRUMENT. The table below shows alternative Management strategies used by managers. Kindly rank the following variables according to how often you use them, Using: 1= Never used 2= Rarely used 3= Not particular about style 4 = used many times 5 = Used all the time SN 1 A B C 2 A B C 3 A B C 4 A B C 5 C D B VARIABLES 1 CONSERVATIVE Preserve and extend whatever has worked before ☐ on my projects Cautious in innovating and / or changing status ☐ quo. Use traditions that preserve the strengths of the ☐ past. 2 3 4 5 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ and ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ORGANIC Show deep commitment to flexibility ☐ Responsive to change. ☐ Set Teams who and interact and give feedback ☐ based on decision arrived ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ENTREPRENUERAL Indulge in calculated risk taking before embarking ☐ on a decision Pioneer new construction ideas on my ☐ construction site Seek the rapid growth of the firm ☐ PROFESSIONAL Adapt scientific optimisation oriented approach to ☐ management. Employ sophisticated management tools and ☐ techniques. Undertake long range planning. ☐ BUREAUCRATIC Emphasise on orderly management. Ensure accountability on all work activities Formalisation of rules, regulations, procedures 67 SN VARIABLE 6 AUTHORITARIAN 1 2 3 4 5 A Emphasise discipline and obedience. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ B ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ C ☐ Prefer standard style of ancient times Adopt stern approach in firms with weak work ☐ ethic and a hostile task environment. 7 PARTICIPATIVE/ DEMOCRATIC A Merge my ideology with that of my subordinates. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ B Consensus-based decision-making. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ C Foster motivation and cooperation ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 8 INTUITIVE Show faith in experience. ☐ Use common sense rather than scientific ☐ approach. Make spontaneous judgments and allow ☐ subordinates to learn on their own. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ cohesiveness and loyalty to ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ A B C 9 A B C 10 A B C FAMILIAL Believe in organisation, Treat employees like members of the family. Look after the needs of employees. ALTRUISTIC Believe in the philosophy that the organisation is ☐ an instrumentality of some larger social good. Sees management as merely not for profit ☐ maximisation. Adopt in developing societies that have ☐ embarked on major nation building and poverty alleviation goals. 68 SECTION C: IDENTIFYING FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING MANAGEMENT STYLES The following critical factors have been identified to generally influence the selection of a management style in construction firms. With your experience in construction how do these factors contribute to your selection of a management style? Rank your contribution on a 1 – 5 scale 1= strongly disagree 2= Disagree 3= Neutral 4 = Agree 5 = strongly agree Item Factors affecting the selection of 1 2 3 4 5 management styles 1 Control mechanisms ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 2 Discipline of the employees ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 3 Supervisory Approach ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 4 Unity of direction ( one plan one manger ) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 5 Organisational interest first before that of ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ workers 6 Remuneration for employees. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 7 Division of work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 8 Duration of the project ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 9 Chain of command ( hierarchy) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 10 Orderliness at work setting. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 11 Care for employees. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 12 Implementation of new ideas. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 13 Maintenance of team spirit ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 14 Fairness ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 15 Productivity of workers ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 16 Culture of the area project is sited ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 17 Number of employees ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ Thank you for your time 69
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