Appraising artisans' job satisfaction in infrastructure provisions to achieve SDGs 3 and 8: the role of Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory

Purpose Enhancing the job satisfaction of construction artisans may offer a promising mechanism to improve workers' mental health and the performance of infrastructural projects. These are components of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 8, and achieving them may be challenging. This study examines the factors hindering job satisfaction. It proposes measures to enhance artisans' well-being and economic growth in infrastructure provisions by improving the job satisfaction mechanism for construction artisans, thereby improving the achievement of SDGs 3 and 8, with the support of Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory. Design/methodology/approach The research employed a qualitative research design. The researchers collected data through interviews with selected experts on the job satisfaction of construction artisans and the achievement of SDGs 3 and 8 in Nigeria. The researchers covered Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. The researchers also accomplished saturation at the 39th interviewee. The researchers adopted a thematic method to analyse the primary data. Findings The findings reveal 29 perceived hindrances to construction artisans' job satisfaction in infrastructure provision. Thus, improving the achievement of SDGs 3 and 8 concerning artisans may be endangered if these hindrances are not curbed. Originality/value The adoption of Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory to support the framework in improving construction artisans' job satisfaction in infrastructure provision, and by extension, the achievement of SDGs 3 and 8, is a key component of this study's originality/value. The findings of this study are also of great significance for construction stakeholders to optimise the suggested measures, enhancing artisans' well-being and economic growth through improved job satisfaction mechanisms among construction artisans.