The measurement and analysis of the worker's satisfaction degree into the multiple aspects that involve the work's situation constitutes an important tool to guide adequately the efforts of the firms that intend to improve quality.

This thesis presents the results of a survey, based on the Walton's QWL model, carried out through interviews with 176 workers from 5 small building firms engaged in quality programs. Through these interviews the effects of quality program improvement initiatives of on operatives were measured and analysed.

The study indicated that the feasibility of applying Walton's model in the construction industry. It was also verified a high degree correlation between the results of the survey and the stage of implementation of quality programs.