Work Experience Impacts on Construction Management Students' Cognitions Related to Construction Waste Recycling

Constructors can significantly impact the sustainability of a construction project through the implementation of construction waste recycling programs (CWM). Prior research, however, has identified a lack of implementation of waste recycling programs due to general contractor’s unfamiliarity with and commitment to such practices. Educators are responding by incorporating principles of sustainability into undergraduate curricula. The results from this study, however, suggest that early work experiences may be counter to education efforts in this area. Senior construction management students who had two to three time the work experience of junior students were less willing to participate in CWM programs. Additionally, the senior students were more likely to have less favorable cognitions (i.e. value orientations, attitudes and norms) and behavior intentions toward construction waste recycling. These results are significant to an industry that is trying to become more sustainable and the educational institutions that are striving to provide environmentally literate graduates.

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