Chipozya Kosta, T; Muleya, F and Phiri, E (2022) Demystifying performance difference between local and foreign contractors through organisational culture. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 12(2), pp. 325-344. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
This research aimed to investigate the extent to which organisational culture is practised in local and foreign contractors in grade one and two categories and how it affects their performance. The approach for this research was positivist in nature adopting a mono-method of data collection through a survey using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 138 questionnaires were distributed among public clients and large-scale contractors registered in the stated grades, and 112 questionnaires were returned for analysis representing an overall response rate of 81% for contractors and clients. revealed that in organisational culture, significant differences were found for management style and dominant characteristics of the organisation between local and foreign contractors. Differences were not found for leadership styles, measures of success and organisational glue. Results suggest that for local contractors to perform better, significant changes are needed to their management style and dominant characteristics of their organisations. Foreign contractors in the Zambian construction industry are reportedly outperforming local contractors making them preferred contractors on larger public projects accounting for 85% of construction projects by value of works. This study presents the differences in organisational culture between foreign and local firms. It further demonstrates that organisational culture plays a key role in determining performance of a contracting firm. The study presents areas that local contractors can improve in organisational culture in order to remain competitive.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | local contractors; foreign contractors; organisational culture; Zambia; innovations; corporate culture; questionnaires; leadership; knowledge sharing; cultural differences; clients; market share |
| Index terms: | market share, foreign contractor, management style, cultural difference, survey, Zambia, knowledge sharing, leadership style, construction project, public project, corporate culture, questionnaire, local contractor, accounting, public client, construction industry, organizational culture |
| Subjects: | management, infrastructure engineering, Geography, production management, sociology, cross-cultural studies, market analysis, industry analysis, leadership, business, data collection methods, practitioner, economic analysis, knowledge management |
| Topics: | Information Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Project Management, Business Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, International Construction, Human Resources, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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