Team composition and production of migrant workers : evidence from data on migrant workers in a large constructing firm

Abstract

In this essay, we will analyze how to manage migrant workers in China based on Zhongda Company. We will examine the role of the company in managing its workers and explore the impact of different factors on worker productivity. Specifically, we will discuss how age, gender diversity, and the home variation within teams affect team productivity. The management of migrant workers in China requires a concerted effort from both the government and the companies that employ them. Companies play a crucial role in ensuring that their workers are treated fairly and that their rights are protected. Zhongda Company is aware of this responsibility and has taken steps to ensure that its workers are well taken care of. The company provides its workers with accommodation, meals, and transportation to and from work. It also offers training programs to help its workers acquire new skills and improve their productivity. In addition, Zhongda Company has a system in place to monitor the working conditions and ensure that the workers are not subjected to any form of abuse or exploitation. Furthermore, Zhongda Company has developed a unique culture that emphasizes teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among its workers. This culture has helped to foster a sense of belonging among the workers and has contributed to a positive work environment. As a result, the workers are more motivated to work and are more likely to perform well. Age is an important factor that can affect worker productivity. Some studies have shown that younger workers tend to be more productive than older workers due to their higher energy levels and greater flexibility. However, this may not necessarily be the case for all workers. In the case of Zhongda Company, age does not appear to have a significant effect on worker productivity. The company's workers are generally young, with an average age of around 25 years old. However, the study conducted by the company found that age range does have a significant negative effect on productivity. This could be due to the cost of coordination, as workers from different age groups may have different work styles and preferences. As a result, it may be more difficult to coordinate their work and ensure that they are working efficiently. Gender diversity is another important factor that can affect worker productivity. Studies have shown that teams with a higher proportion of women tend to perform better due to their better communication skills and higher emotional intelligence. However, this may not necessarily be the case for all teams. In the case of Zhongda Company, the study found that having more female workers in a team has a significantly negative effect on team productivity, even after controlling for the number of male workers. This may be due to cultural differences, as male workers may be more dominant in some regions, which could lead to conflicts with female workers. It could also be due to language barriers, as female workers may be less fluent in the local dialects, which could affect communication. Apart from age and gender diversity, the home variation within teams is another important factor that can affect worker productivity. In the case of Zhongda Company, the study found that the home variation within teams has a significantly positive effect on team productivity. Specifically, teams with more nonlocal workers tend to perform better than teams with fewer nonlocal workers. This finding is somewhat surprising, as one might expect that workers from the same region would work better together due to shared cultural and linguistic backgrounds. However, the study suggests that this is not always the case, and that a mix of workers from different regions can actually improve team performance. One possible explanation for this finding is a selection logic. That is, workers who are willing to move from their hometowns to work in a new region may have certain characteristics that make them more productive. For example, they may be more ambitious or hardworking, or they may have better communication skills. As a result, when these workers are grouped together in a team, they may perform better than teams composed entirely of local workers. Another possible explanation is that having nonlocal workers in a team can promote diversity of thought and perspective, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions. Workers from different regions may have different ways of thinking and problem-solving, which can be beneficial for the team as a whole. Overall, the study conducted by Zhongda Company highlights the importance of considering various factors when managing a migrant workforce in China. Age, gender, and home variation are just a few of the factors that can affect worker productivity and should be taken into account when developing management strategies. By understanding these factors and developing effective strategies to manage them, companies like Zhongda can improve their productivity and ensure the well-being of their workers.