Investigating the Role of Human Resource Management in the Success of Road Construction Projects: A Case Study of Tonkabon City

Abstract

The construction industry, particularly road construction projects, faces significant challenges in achieving success criteria related to cost, time, and quality. This study investigates the role of Human Resource Management (HRM) in determining the success of road construction projects, using a case study of projects in Tonkabon City, Iran. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a researcher-developed questionnaire distributed to 154 employees, contractors, and engineers involved in road construction projects over the past decade. The questionnaire assessed four dimensions of HRM: human resource planning, human resource information systems, labor and employee relations, and human capital provision. Project success was measured across cost, time, and quality dimensions. Reliability and validity were confirmed through Cronbach's alpha (α > 0.7) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR > 0.7). Regression analysis revealed that all four HRM dimensions significantly influence project success, with human resource information systems (β = 0.790), human resource planning (β = 0.764), labor and employee relations (β = 0.604), and human capital provision (β = 0.413) having the strongest effects. The overall model explains 93% of the variance in project success. These findings underscore the critical importance of strategic HRM practices in enhancing construction project outcomes.