The Moderating Effect of Decent Work on Employee Commitment and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour in the Construction Sector
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61954/2616-7107/2026.10.1-9Keywords:
Construction, Decent Work, Employee Commitment, Labour Turnover, Organisational Behaviour.Abstract
Background. Turnover remains high in Zimbabwe’s construction sector, which employs thousands of skilled and unskilled workers and contributes significantly to the national economy. However, excessive staff turnover reduces productivity and revenues. The construction sector’s potential and dynamism are directly related to the level of employee commitment, organisational citizenship behaviour, and fair work experience of its employees. These are key elements of sustainable, long-term human resource management that can help construction companies address the diverse needs and expectations of both potential and existing employees while preserving long-term business opportunities.
Purpose. This study aimed to examine the moderating effect of decent work on the relationship between employee commitment (EC) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) in the Zimbabwean construction sector.
Findings. The study adopted a quantitative methodology to obtain data from a convenience sample of 200 participants employed in the construction industry. The data were analysed using SmartPLS 4.0 and SPSS. The findings show a strong relationship among the variables, highlighting their significant roles in explaining the variance in the constructs. Specifically, the results show that Decent Work is positively related to Employee Commitment (β = 0.456, p < 0.001) and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (β = 0.178, p < 0.025); Employee Commitment is positively associated with Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (β = 0.191, p < 0.019). Furthermore, the results show that Decent Work (DW) moderates the relationship between Employee Commitment (EC) and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (β = 0.054, p < 0.043).
Implications. This research provides information on the policy guidelines adopted by governments regarding the promotion of the concept ‘decent work’ in the construction sector. The findings suggest that construction firm managers should adopt decent work practices to retain top talent. Furthermore, employee engagement and corporate citizenship must be enhanced through initiatives that support employee well-being. This study provides governments with valuable information for developing policies that foster the creation of high-quality employment opportunities in the construction industry. Therefore, organisations seeking to develop employee engagement and corporate citizenship should consider creating a high-quality work environment.
References
Abd-Alazim, M., Looti, M., & Mubdir, M. Q. (2024). Psychometric Properties of the Arabic version of Organizational Commitment Questionnaire-Revised (OCQ-R) in Educational Settings. Academic International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(2), 01-10. https://doi.org/10.59675/S221
Agistiannur, M. A., & Hermina, D. (2025). Implementation and effectiveness of quantitative research methods in Islamic religious education. As-Sulthan Journal of Education, 1(3), 514-519. https://ojssulthan.com/asje/article/view/58
Ahmad, R., Nawaz, M. R., Ishaq, M. I., Khan, M. M., & Ashraf, H. A. (2023). Social exchange theory: Systematic review and future directions. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 1015921. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1015921
Ahn, S., Park, J., & Ye, S. (2025). How AI enhances employee service innovation in retail: Social exchange theory perspectives and the impact of AI adaptability. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 84, 104207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2024.104207
Alford, S., & Teater, B. (2025). Quantitative research. In M. Alston, P. Buykx, W. Foote, & D. Betts (Eds.), Handbook of Research Methods in Social Work (pp. 156–171). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035310173.00023
Amini Farsani, M., & Barzegar, R. (2025). Tracing sampling in applied linguistics: the case of quantitative research approach. Quality & Quantity, 59(1), 111-123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-024-01929-3
Aziz, H. M., Othman, B. J., Gardi, B., Ahmed, S. A., Sabir, B. Y., Ismael, N. B., Hamza, P. A., Sorguli, S., Ali, B. J., & Anwar, G. (2021). Employee commitment: The relationship between employee commitment and job satisfaction. Journal of Humanities and Education Development, 3(3), 54–66. https://doi.org/10.22161/jhed.3.3.6
Bahadır, F., Yeşiltaş, M., Sesen, H., & Olaleye, B. R. (2024). The relation between perceived organizational support and employee satisfaction: the role of relational psychological contract and reciprocity ideology. Kybernetes, 53(1), 102-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-04-2022-0520
Bakker, A. B., & Demerouti, E. (2024). Job demands–resources theory: Frequently asked questions. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 29(3), 188-200. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000376
Bakker, A. B., Demerouti, E., & Sanz-Vergel, A. (2023). Job demands–resources theory: Ten years later. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 10(1), 25–53. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-120920-053933
Bhardwaj, P., Sharma, H., & Savita, U. (2025). Linkage between empowerment, commitment and organizational citizenship behavior in Indian retail sector. The Learning Organization, 32(3), 459-478. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-06-2023-0104
Blustein, D. L., Lysova, E. I., & Duffy, R. D. (2023). Understanding decent work and meaningful work. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 10(1), 289-314. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-031921-024847
Bogler, R., & Somech, A. (2023). Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) above and beyond: Teachers' OCB during COVID-19. Teaching and teacher education, 130, 104183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104183
Bollen, K., & Lennox, R. (1991). Conventional wisdom on measurement: A structural equation perspective. Psychological Bulletin, 110 (2), 305-314. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.110.2.305
Bouchrika, I. (2025). Introduction to Social Exchange Theory in Social Work with Examples in 2025. Education. https://research.com/education/introduction-to-social-exchange-theory-in-social-work
Briones Peñalver, A. J., Bernal Conesa, J. A., & de Nieves Nieto, C. (2018). Analysis of corporate social responsibility in Spanish agribusiness and its influence on innovation and performance. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 25(2), 182-193. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.1448
Chinyamurindi, W.T., & Mashavira, N. (2024). Job satisfaction and turnover: The role of creativity, engagement, and decent work amongst employees. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 22(0), a2713. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v22i0.2713
Demerouti, E., & Bakker, A. B. (2022). Job demands-resources theory in times of crises: New propositions. Organizational Psychology Review, 13(3), 209-236. https://doi.org/10.1177/20413866221135022
Donglong, Z., Taejun, C., Julie, A., & Sanghun, L. (2020). The structural relationship between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior in university faculty in China: the mediating effect of organizational commitment. Asia Pacific Education Review, 21, 167–179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-019-09617-w
Duckett, L. J. (2021). Quantitative research excellence: Study design and reliable and valid measurement of variables. Journal of Human Lactation, 37(3), 456-463. https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344211019285
Duffy, R. D., Allan, B. A., England, J. W., Blustein, D. L., Autin, K. L., Douglass, R. P., Ferreira, J., & Santos, E. J. R. (2017). The development and initial validation of the Decent Work Scale. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 64(2), 206–221. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000191
Edwards, J. R., & Bagozzi, R. P. (2000). On the nature and direction of relationships between constructs and measures. Psychological Methods, 5(2), 155–174. https://doi.org/10.1037/1082-989X.5.2.155
Firmansyah, A., Junaedi, I., & Kistyanto, A. (2022). The effect of perceived organizational support on organizational citizenship behavior and organizational commitment in public health center during COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 938815. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.938815
Galanakis, M. D., & Tsitouri, E. (2022). Positive psychology in the working environment. Job demands-resources theory, work engagement and burnout: A systematic literature review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1022102. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1022102
Ghanad, A. (2023). An overview of quantitative research methods. International journal of multidisciplinary research and analysis, 6(08), 3794-3803. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v6-i8-52
Golzar, J., Noor, S., & Tajik, O. (2022). Convenience sampling. International Journal of Education & Language Studies, 1(2), 72-77. https://doi.org/10.22034/ijels.2022.162981
Granger, S., Stackhouse, M. R., & Caza, B. B. (2024). Job demands-resources (JD-R) theory. In A guide to key theories for human resource management research (pp. 126-132). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035308767.ch15
Green, F. (2021). Decent work and the quality of work and employment (GLO Discussion Paper No. 817). Global Labor Organization (GLO). https://www.econstor.eu/handle/10419/233007
Hair, J. F., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2011). PLS-SEM: Indeed a Silver Bullet. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 19(2), 139–152. https://doi.org/10.2753/MTP1069-6679190202
Huang, S., & Ma, Q. (2025). A systematic review of data-driven learning research on language learning and teaching for pre-tertiary learners: Balancing qualitative and quantitative research. Learning and Individual Differences, 122, 102752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2025.102752
Huihui, Z., & Segumpan, R. G. (2024). Influences of Decent Work on Organizational Citizenship Behavior in for-Profit Enterprises. Journal of International Business and Management, 7(7), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.37227/jibm-2024-06-6534
Inegbedion, H. (2024). Perception of Decent Work and Employee Commitment: The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction. Sage Open, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241259283
Jager, J., Xia, Y., Putnick, D. L., & Bornstein, M. H. (2025). Improving generalizability of developmental research through increased use of homogeneous convenience samples: A Monte Carlo simulation. Developmental Psychology, 61(10), 1991–2007. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001890
Jio, W., Kant, S., & Lemi, K. (2025). The Influence of Ethical Leadership on Organizational Citizenship Behavior by the Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment in Ethiopia. In Humanizing the Hyperconnected Workplace (pp. 221-248). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. DOI:10.4018/979-8-3693-8171-7.ch008
Kaan Namal, M., Tufan, C., Sani Mert, I., & Arun, K. (2024). Decent Work, Employee Satisfaction, and the Mediating Role of Social Courage in Reducing Turnover. Sage Open, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241242060.
Kashyap, V., & Arora, R. (2022). Decent work and work–family enrichment: Role of meaning at work and work engagement. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 71(1), 316-336. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-03-2020-0133
Koroglu, Ş., & Ozmen, O. (2022). The mediating effect of work engagement on innovative work behavior and the role of psychological well-being in the job demands–resources (JD-R) model. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, 14(1), 124-144. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJBA-09-2020-0326
Lee, Y., Song, J. H., & Kim, S. J. (2023). Validation study of the Korean version of the decent work. European Journal of Training and Development, 47(1/2), 43-57. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-03-2021-0040
Li, M., Jameel, A., Ma, Z., Sun, H., Hussain, A., & Mubeen, S. (2022). Prism of employee performance through the means of internal support: A study of perceived organizational support. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 15, 965–976. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S346697
Li, Y., Chen, C., & Yuan, Y. (2025). Evolving the job demands-resources framework to JD-R 3.0: The impact of after-hours connectivity and organizational support on employee psychological distress. Acta Psychologica, 253, 104710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.104710
Lohr, S. L. (2021). Sampling: Design and analysis (3rd ed.). https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429298899
Mahuni, K., Zivanomoyo, J., Siyakiya, P., & Mutsvangwa, S. (2025). Zimbabwe's Economy. Springer International Publishing AG.
Manley, S. C., Hair Jr, J. F., Williams Jr, R. I., & McDowell, W. C. (2021). Essential new PLS-SEM analysis methods for your entrepreneurship analytical toolbox. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 17(4), 1805-1825. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-020-00687-6
Maretha, C. (2023). Positivism in philosophical studies. Journal of Innovation in Teaching and Instructional Media, 3(3), 124-138. https://doi.org/10.52690/jitim.v3i3.716
Mauswa, T., Mashavira, N., Chipunza, C., & Adewumi, S. (2025). Job engagement and turnover intention in commercial banks: Moderating role of decent work. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 23(0). https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v23i0.2949
Mavodyo, E., Kanyonganise, L., Zimunya, I., Mhonda, W., Musikambesa, N., & Neshiri, G. (2025). Building A Prosperous Future: Integrating Economic Freedom into Zimbabwe’s Development Policies. PanAfrican Journal of Governance and Development (PJGD), 6(2), 96-125. https://doi.org/10.46404/panjogov.v6i2.5921
Meira, J. V. D. S., & Hancer, M. (2021). Using the social exchange theory to explore the employee-organization relationship in the hospitality industry. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 33(2), 670-692. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-06-2020-0538
Mishra, M., & Mund, P. (2024). Fifty‐two years of consumer research based on social exchange theory: A review and research agenda using topic modeling. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 48(4), e13074. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.13074
Moyo, T., Crafford, G., & Emuze, F. (2022). Significant decent work objectives for monitoring construction workers’ productivity performance in Zimbabwe. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 27(1), 95–110. https://doi.org/10.21315/jcdc2022.27.1.6
Musenze, I. A., Mayende, T. S., Wampande, A. J., Kasango, J., & Emojong, O. R. (2021). Mechanism between perceived organizational support and work engagement: explanatory role of self-efficacy. Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, 37(4), 471-495. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEAS-02-2020-0016
Neves, P. C., Palma-Moreira, A., Andrade, C., & Au-Yong-Oliveira, M. (2024). Organizational citizenship behavior: adaptation and validation of the OCB scale CCOE-R. Frontiers in Psychology, 15(1475011). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1475011
Newman, I., Lim, J., & Pineda, F. (2013). Content validity using a mixed methods approach: Its application and development through the use of a table of specifications methodology. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 7(3), 243–260. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558689813476922
Novitasari, D., Riani, A. L., Suyono, J., & Harsono, M. (2021). The moderation role of ethical leadership on organisational justice, professional commitment, and organisational citizenship behaviour among academicians. International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 12(4), 303-324. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijwoe.2021.120718
Nwachukwu, C., Chládková, H., Agboga, R. S., & Vu, H. M. (2021). Religiosity, employee empowerment and employee engagement: an empirical analysis. The International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 41(11/12), 1195–1209. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijssp-03-2021-0060
Prigge, M., Hegewald, J., Reichel, K., Backé, E., Romero Starke, K., Seidler, A., & Latza, U. (2025). A tool for assessing sex/gender bias in epidemiological studies of occupational health: Pilot testing on studies of sedentary behaviour at the workplace and cardiometabolic health. PloS One, 20(5), e0324391. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0324391
Purnomo, C. B. ., & Wulandaru, D. R. . (2024). The influence of employee engagement on team performance mediated by employee commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. Journal Financial, Business and Economics, 1(2), 13–33. https://doi.org/10.57176/jfine.v2i1.11
Radic, A., Singh, S., Singh, N., Ariza-Montes, A., Calder, G., & Han, H. (2025). The good shepherd: linking artificial intelligence (AI)-driven servant leadership (SEL) and job demands-resources (JD-R) theory in tourism and hospitality. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, 8(4), 1494-1521. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-06-2024-0628
Rahman, M. H. A., & Karim, D. N. (2022). Organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior: the mediating role of work engagement. Heliyon, 8(5), e09450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09450
Rahman, M. M., Tabash, M. I., Salamzadeh, A., Abduli, S., & Rahaman, M. S. (2022). Sampling techniques (probability) for quantitative social science researchers: conceptual guidelines with examples. SEEU Review, 17(1), 42-51. https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/seeur-2022-0023
Ranganathan, P., & Caduff, C. (2023). Designing and validating a research Questionnaire-Part 1. Perspectives in Clinical Research, 14(3), 152-155. https://doi.org/10.4103/picr.picr_140_23
Raziq, M. M., Wazir, R., Memon, M. A., Rice, J. L., & Moazzam, M. (2025). Empowering leadership, employee organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior: the roles of leader authenticity and trust. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 74(1), 81-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-09-2023-0489
Samanth, M. (2024). A Brief Introduction to Research Methodology. International Journal Od Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 12(5).
Scharrer, E., & Ramasubramanian, S. (2021). Quantitative research methods in communication: The power of numbers for social justice. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003091653
Schulte, P. A., Pot, F. D., Iavicoli, I., Leso, V., Fontana, L., Almeida, I. M., ... & Violante, F. S. (2025). Furthering decent work by expanding the role of occupational safety and health. Work, 80(2), 680-690. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-240230
Simkus, J. (2022). Convenience sampling: Definition, method and examples. https://www.simplypsychology.org/convenience-sampling.html
Srivastava, A. K. (2024). Questionnaire & Interview In Research: Tool & Technique. Legal Research Methodology. Satyam Law International, New Delhi. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4788847
Stratton, S. J. (2021). Population research: convenience sampling strategies. Prehospital and disaster Medicine, 36(4), 373-374. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X21000649
Tanujaya, B., Prahmana, R. C. I., & Mumu, J. (2022). Likert scale in social sciences research: Problems and difficulties. FWU Journal of Social Sciences, 16(4), 89-101. http://doi.org/10.51709/19951272/Winter2022/7
Tummers, L. G., & Bakker, A. B. (2021). Leadership and job demands-resources theory: A systematic review. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 722080. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722080
Wallenburg, C. M., & Handfield, R. (2022). Social exchange theory. In Handbook of theories for purchasing, supply chain and management research (pp. 267-282). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781839104503.00021
Wijaya, G. S. F. (2025). Analysis of Decent Construction Workforce Wages and Productivity Based on Indonesia Law (UU) (Doctoral dissertation, Universitas Islam Indonesia). https://dspace.uii.ac.id/handle/123456789/55610
Yang, Q., Li, S., Cui, H., & Qiao, J. (2023). How does supplier relationship management affect supplier innovation contribution? Interorganizational learning and social exchange theory integrated perspectives. Industrial Marketing Management, 114, 165-180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2023.08.003
Yasin, R., Jan, G., Huseynova, A., & Atif, M. (2023). Inclusive leadership and turnover intention: the role of follower–leader goal congruence and organizational commitment. Management Decision, 61(3), 589–609. https://doi.org/10.1108/md-07-2021-0925
Yi, M., Jiang, D., Wang, J., Zhang, Z., Jia, Y., Zhao, B. & Chen, O. (2022). Relationships among thriving at work, organisational commitment and job satisfaction among Chinese front-line primary public health workers during COVID-19 pandemic: a structural equation model analysis. BMJ open, 12(6), e059032. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059032
Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. (2025). 2025 Second Quarter Labour Force Survey Report. ZIMSTAT. http://www.zimstat.co.zw
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Economics Ecology Socium
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
If the article is accepted for publication in the journal «Economics. Ecology. Socium» the author must sign an agreementon transfer of copyright. The agreement is sent to the postal (original) or e-mail address (scanned copy) of the journal editions.
