Comparison of Construction Labor Productivity between U.S. and China: Using On-Site Productivity Measurement Methods

Abstract

One of the main entry barriers faced by U.S. construction firms for entering the booming Chinese construction market is the acquisition of accurate labor productivity data in China. The accuracy of labor productivity data can mean the difference between the success or failure of a construction project. Due to the sheer diversity and complexity of international construction practices, minimal research has been performed on comparative labor productivity between the U.S. and China. In this study, on-site measurement research was conducted in the U.S. and China to assist U.S. construction firms in competing in the Chinese market by comparing the Chinese construction labor productivity with the U.S. labor productivity. The labor productivity data were collected randomly at jobsites located in Kansas, U.S., and in Chongqing, China (Chongqing is the largest and most populated municipality of China's four provincial-level municipalities) by using time studies method. Various statistical analysis methods were applied to analyze and compare the collected productivity data from both countries. Comparative review of productivity data will help enhance U.S. construction firms' competitiveness in the Chinese market and improve project management capabilities in China. In addition, the results of a productivity comparison will provide U.S. construction firms the advancement of knowledge in the Chinese construction industry and support benchmarking and continuous improvement of efficiency and productivity with greater worker safety and satisfaction in the U.S., China, or global construction markets.