Project managers' sociocultural traits driving Sustainable Development Goals in the construction industry

Bondinuba, F K; Blay, A V K and Jin, R (2026) Project managers' sociocultural traits driving Sustainable Development Goals in the construction industry. Construction Economics and Building, 26(1), ISSN 2204-9029

Abstract

Integrating sociocultural characteristics into project management is crucial for promoting sustainable development in the construction industry, given its significant impact on achieving environmental, social, and economic objectives. This paper examines how project managers' sociocultural attributes affect the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the construction sector. Using a positivist approach, the study employed structural equation modelling to analyse data collected from 128 construction professionals, examining relationships among project managers' sociocultural traits, interventions, and outcomes related to the SDGs. The results indicate that project managers' sociocultural characteristics significantly influence SDG outcomes, primarily through community involvement and stakeholder collaboration, emphasising the importance of culturally informed management practices. These findings suggest that capacity-building initiatives focusing on cultural awareness and stakeholder engagement are vital. Future research should explore the applicability of these insights across different regions and cultural contexts to enhance sustainable construction practices globally.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction industry; project management; sociocultural characteristics; stakeholder engagement; Sustainable Development Goals
Index terms: construction sector, collaboration, management practice, structural equation modelling, sustainable development, sustainable construction practice, project management, community involvement, construction industry, sustainable development goal, stakeholder engagement, construction professional, project manager
Subjects: sustainable construction, health safety and environment, sustainable design, community and social dimensions, profession, professional development, project management theory and practice, management, statistical analysis, industry analysis
Topics: Sustainability, Project Management, Health and Safety, Organizational Design, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy
Descriptive scope: 4 PCTA

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