Yap, J. B. H. and Yu, C. Y. (2026) Essential needs and strategies for effective contractor communications: Bridging gaps in malaysia's construction industry. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 22(2), pp. 284-307. ISSN 1557-8771
Abstract
This study examines the critical role of communication management in the construction industry, focusing on contractors in Malaysia, where effective communication is often underemphasized. An extensive literature review identified 10 essential communication needs and 10 practical strategies for optimizing contractor communication. These insights were incorporated into a questionnaire survey conducted with contractors in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The analysis revealed that key drivers for improving communication include reducing conflict, enhancing collaboration, and fostering problem-solving. To bridge communication gaps and address these challenges, this study introduces the Contractor Communication Enhancement Model (CCEM), which provides a practical framework for identifying key communication needs and implementing targeted strategies. Recommended strategies include understanding client needs, utilizing appropriate communication channels, and building trust and integrity among stakeholders. The findings offer actionable guidance for contractors to adopt effective communication practices that enhance project outcomes, reduce misunderstandings, and improve teamwork. By exploring the contractor's perspective, this research contributes valuable insights into communication management in the Malaysian construction industry and lays the foundation for future research aimed at improving communication practices and project success rates in construction projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication management; communication strategies; construction industry; project management; teamwork |
| Index terms: | construction project, collaboration, questionnaire, literature review, strategy, survey, construction industry, project management, Malaysia, teamwork, project success, integrity, project outcome |
| Subjects: | health safety and environment, Geography, production management, project completion, industry analysis, management, project management theory and practice, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Project Management |
| 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