Relationships among internal stakeholders in construction projects: A cognitive evaluation for sustainable team integration in Nigeria

Ujene, A O and Edike, U E (2015) Relationships among internal stakeholders in construction projects: A cognitive evaluation for sustainable team integration in Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Management, 15(1), pp. 71-81. ISSN 1562-3599

Abstract

This study evaluates the relationships among internal stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry. The objectives are to evaluate the factors influencing good working relationships, with priority placed on relationship indicators and variation in effect/priority among groups of relationships. A survey of 95 purposively sampled stakeholders resulted in 72 valid structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using mean score and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The study concludes that unitary relationships are more associated with professionals; coercive relationships more associated with contractors; while mutuality relationships are least prevalent. The influence of factors promoting/hindering good relationships do not significantly vary among the internal stakeholders (p-values = 0.665 and 0.468), while significant variation exists in the priority placed on relationship-oriented indicators (p-value = 0.015). The study recommends encouragement of mutual relationships, clear/regular communication, trust/respect for contractual conditions, cooperation/collaboration, adequate job descriptions and good job attitudes. Priority should be placed on seamless/collaborative operation, collective understanding and gain/pain-sharing, which encourage team integration.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction; internal stakeholders; projects; relationship; team integration
Index terms: pain, encouragement, Nigeria, construction industry, survey, questionnaire, construction project, collaboration, integration, variation, cooperation
Subjects: Geography, contractual condition, production management, management, industry analysis, organizational analysis, health conditions and diseases, data collection methods, psychology
Topics: Health and Safety, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Contract Administration, Organizational Design, Human Resources
Descriptive scope: 5 PCTEA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here