Zhang, L and Fan, W (2013) Improving performance of construction projects: A project manager's emotional intelligence approach. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 20(2), pp. 195-207. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - As a crucial soft skill, emotional intelligence (EI) is reported to have many benefits, yet it remains largely unexplored in construction project management. The purpose of this paper is to explore further application of project manager's EI to improve project performance. Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire-based survey covering 112 project managers in construction is used to determine project managers' EI, and relate that to the performance of their most recent projects, as well as examine the moderating effects of international involvement and contract type. Findings - Results indicate high expressions of six EI factors in project performance of large and complex scale; whereas the effects of self-confidence and teamwork have not been confirmed. Additionally, international involvement and contract type are found to moderate the relationships between certain EI factors and project performance. Practical implications - The paper makes recommendations on selection and appointment of project managers to construction organizations; meanwhile it assists project managers in recognizing the significant competencies that cater for large and complex construction projects. Originality/value - In this paper, the EI model is modified especially for project managers, to make up for the deficiency of project managers' EI framework, as well as the project performance criteria for construction projects. Then an analysis takes place of the key EI dimensions or competencies on project performance, which contributes to the body of project managers' EI.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; emotional intelligence; large and complex projects; project management; project manager; project performance |
| Index terms: | construction project, methodology, questionnaire, survey, dimension, complex project, construction industry, project management, project performance, construction project management, emotional intelligence, construction organization, teamwork, project manager |
| Subjects: | production management, project management theory and practice, management, research methods, industry analysis, data collection methods, profession, organization, strategic project management, health monitoring assessment and metrics, psychology |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Project Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions |
| 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