Kunkcu, H.; Koc, K. and Gurgun, A. P. (2026) Uncovering communication methods, forms, and dynamics in construction projects: A comparative analysis. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 22(2), pp. 233-253. ISSN 1557-8771
Abstract
Construction projects require multiparty engagement and communication among professionals from diverse disciplines. This study aims to investigate different communication methods, forms, and dynamics among project teams and to identify perception differences, if any, among professionals based on respondent, project, and team characteristics. A literature survey accompanied by a pilot study is conducted to determine communication factors classified into three categories (i.e. communication methods, communication forms, and communication dynamics). Data collected from 72 construction industry professionals is analyzed using various statistical techniques including mean rank analysis, relative importance index (RII), normality tests, reliability analysis, Mann–Whitney U-test and Kruskal–Wallis test. The findings indicate that choice of words, visual communication tools, and weekly project meetings are the top three factors affecting communication quality in construction projects. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were observed in the perceptions between the teams of different sizes and respondents' profession in any communication method, form, or dynamics. The research is a pioneering attempt that offers a holistic communication framework to improve communication quality and team performance in construction projects. The study findings are expected to enhance the project performance by bringing various aspects of communication to the project members' attention.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | collaboration; communication; project team performance; statistical analysis |
| Index terms: | survey, comparative analysis, relative importance index, collaboration, construction project, reliability analysis, communication method, statistical analysis, project performance, dynamics, profession, project team, team performance, construction industry |
| Subjects: | production management, reliability engineering, institututions, industry analysis, systems engineering, management, professional development, project management theory and practice, data science, data analysis and analytics, project delivery, data collection methods, risk assessment |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Information Management, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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