The response of Auckland construction firms to recent technological changes

Abstract

Over the past decade the impacts of technology on the construction sector have been profound. This trend presents significant challenges for construction firms in an environment characterised by skilled-labour shortages and an ageing workforce that tends to struggle to accept new technology. The purpose of this research is to determine the types of technologies that are being used by Auckland construction firms, the challenges that they face as they adopt new technologies and the impact of technology on the construction workforce. The study employed a face-to-face survey research approach focusing on Auckland construction firms, with the aim of evaluating their response to technological changes. Questionnaires, followed by face-to-face interviews with two separate industry groups, managers and construction workers, were the major methods of empirical data collection. The findings revealed that while the adoption of technology could offset some skill shortages in the near future, the uptake of technology in construction firms was generally poor due to high financial costs, an increasingly ageing workforce and the lack of available training in the new technologies. In conclusion, Auckland construction firms face serious difficulties that could only be overcome through a set of comprehensive measures, such as financial commitment to investing in the latest technologies, provision of extra support and training, as well as ensuring adequate pay