Managing mental health in the multicultural construction workforce

The purpose of this study is to improve the mental health of construction workers in multicultural construction workplaces. Specifically, the aim of this research is to (1) examine the effects of personal and environmental determinants on construction workers’ mental health outcomes, (2) develop a positive coping approach in multicultural construction workplaces, (3) investigate the effect of positive coping strategies on the relationships between environmental stressors and mental health outcomes in multicultural construction workforces and (4) develop a model for managing mental health of workers in multicultural construction workplaces. To achieve these research aims, a quantitative approach and a survey research design were employed. The key findings of this study are as follows. First, construction workers’ mental health is not only influenced by stressors related to work environment, but also individual traits. Second, this study developed a positive coping approach, namely, intercultural coping. The results of this study confirmed that there is a positive relationship between intercultural coping and mental health. Third, the results confirmed the effectiveness of different types of coping strategies in managing different types of stressors in multicultural construction workplaces. Fourth, the model developed in this study presents a detailed and comprehensive perspective on managing mental health in a multicultural construction context. Overall management of mental health can be achieved by (1) reducing the identified work and cultural stressors of mental ill health in the workplace, (2) modifying vulnerable personal traits and matching personal traits with job demands, (3) improving intercultural coping and (4) designing effective intercultural coping strategies for specific types of stressors. The findings of this study contribute to the knowledge of mental health management by identifying the direct and interactive effects of person–environment determinants on mental health outcomes. The development of a positive coping approach, namely, intercultural coping, provides a new perspective on managing mental health. This study also uncovered the moderating effect of intercultural coping strategies on the relationship between stressor and psychological outcome. Furthermore, a model for managing mental health of workers in multicultural construction workplaces was established, which may serve as a framework for construction organisations to devise effective mental health interventions

Theorizing to improve mental health in multicultural construction industries : an intercultural coping model

Construction workers are exposed to a range of stressors that lead to mental ill-health. In a multicultural construction workplace, the interactions between workers with different cultural backgrounds may aggravate mental health issues. Existing studies on coping typically focus on a reactive approach to managing stressors in the absence of cultural-related factors. This approach is inadequate in addressing mental health issues in a culturally diverse construction workplace. This paper presents a critical review that synthesizes and analyses theories and models of stress and coping, proactive coping, occupational stress, acculturative stress, and intercultural competence to develop a conceptual model for managing mental health in a multicultural construction workforce. The proposed model relies upon a positive coping mechanism, i.e., intercultural coping, to manage stressful events during the entire coping process in a multicultural workplace, towards achieving sustained good mental health. The proposed conceptual model contributes to the development of coping theories and positive psychology approaches and provides effective coping strategies to enhance psychological well-being in a multicultural context

Theoretical framework for informal groups of construction workers : a grounded theory study

The current construction industry, which has a high accident rate and declining labor productivity, urgently requires efficient and practical management policies. Research has shown that social norms within informal groups have considerable influence on construction workers, while studies on informal groups of construction workers (IGCWs) have been scarce. Current theories of informal groups have not been analyzed in combination with construction industry characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework of IGCWs, including definitions, types, characteristics, causes, and functions. First, on the basis of existing theoretical research of informal groups, two semistructured interviews were designed to collect data from managers and workers. Then, a qualitative approach using grounded theory with NVivo software was employed to code the interview information, and 25 subcategories were obtained: 5 types, 10 characteristics, 4 causes, and 6 functions of IGCWs. Eventually, a conceptual model was established to explain the definition of IGCWs according to the interview data and subcategories identified. This study not only contributes to improving behavioral science theory, especially group behavior theory and human relations theory, but also contributes to constructing an informal group theory of the construction industry. In practical terms, the targeted identification of IGCWs is useful for managers in taking measures to more effectively manage construction workers

Stressors in the multicultural construction working environment

Due to the dynamic and complex nature of the construction industry, construction workers are often exposed to a range of stressors which are causative factors for mental health problems. Simultaneously, intercultural contact between workers in a multicultural working environment may aggravate mental health issues. A better understanding of stressors can contribute to the development of targeted measures for mental health prevention and promotion. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the correlation between stressors and mental health for construction workers in a culturally diverse working environment. Data were collected using questionnaires from 252 construction workers in Australia. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The results revealed the significant correlations between stressors and mental health outcomes and indicated the most significant stressors from work, personal and cultural domains. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers on the development of mental health interventions for construction workforce in a multicultural context. Researchers could also benefit from an in-depth comprehension on the causative factors of psychological issues in the construction industry

Coping strategies for work and cultural stressors in multicultural construction workplaces : a study in Australia

Existing coping theories typically position coping as a reactive approach to managing mental health. Intercultural coping was proposed to positively deal with stressors and alleviate the negative impacts of stressors on mental health outcomes in multicultural workplaces. This study aims to investigate the role of intercultural coping strategies in influencing the relationships between stressors and mental health outcomes in multicultural construction workplaces. Data were collected from 252 construction workers in Australia using online questionnaire survey. Data were analysed using the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique. The results revealed the moderating effect of positive coping strategies on the stressor-psychological outcome relationship. A worker who is open to cultural dissimilarity tends to suffer less the adverse effect of cultural stressors on mental health. A worker with cognitive complexity is less susceptible to the adverse impact of work stressors on mental health. Whereas, a worker who is performance-oriented is more vulnerable to the impact of work stressors on mental health. This study may contribute to the existing body of work by uncovering the moderating role of positive coping strategies and providing targeted and effective coping strategies in multicultural construction workplaces