Adoption of Emerging Building Construction Materials and Its Implications for Rural Construction Workforce Management

This study examined rural construction workers’ perceptions of emerging building construction materials and their implications for job security, employment displacement, adaptability, and workforce management. A descriptive–correlational research design was employed involving 50 rural construction workers who completed a structured survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings revealed high perceived job security (WM = 3.8), adaptability and support (WM = 4.1), and economic and social impacts (WM = 3.9), while employment displacement concerns remained moderate (WM = 3.3). Respondents expressed strong agreement regarding workforce development recommendations (WM = 4.8). No significant differences emerged across age, education, residence, or occupational position. However, work experience significantly differentiated perceptions of economic and social impacts (p = 0.020) and worker sentiment (p = 0.024), with experienced workers reporting more favorable assessments. The findings indicate that rural workers generally perceive construction innovation positively, with occupational experience representing an important factor in workforce perceptions. Structured competency-based training, workplace mentoring, and coordinated institutional support are recommended to strengthen workforce preparedness. The study's limited sample and reliance on self-reported perceptions constrain broader generalizability. Nevertheless, the findings provide empirical insights for inclusive rural construction management and support Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, and 12 by informing workforce development, responsible technological innovation, and the human-resource requirements of sustainable construction practices.