Exploring strategies towards effective communication among construction project team in the Ghanaian construction industry
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Date
2021-06-22
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Abstract
Communication is seen as one of the key elements to the success of a construction
project. Delays in project delivery, cost overruns and disputes among other problems the
construction industry face today is as the result of poor communication. The current
study sought to explore strategies towards effective communication among project team
in the delivery of building construction projects. Structured questionnaires were designed
and administered to key professionals involved in building construction professionals
within the Accra Municipality. The data collected was analyzed using Relative
Importance Index (RII), frequencies and percentages. The results revealed that different
typologies of communication are used in the management of construction projects. From
communication channel perspective, verbal, written, visual and non-verbal
communications types were in use. From organizational perspective both vertical
(upward/downward) communication and horizontal communication existed. Diagonal
communication was not common. The modes of communication used include formal
writing (e.g. letters, fax, memos), Emails, Site Review meetings, Phone calls, Notice
board etc. The choice of these communication channels was also found to be influence
by the types of message to be sent and the preference of the sender or receiver. The study
also found that the barriers to effective communication include differing perception
between sender and receiver, the use of wrong communication channel, Inconsistent
verbal and non-verbal communication, Information overload, Poor timing for
communication, Poor listening and premature evaluation and badly expressed message.
These issues affected communication among the parties to the project. Based on the
above it was recommended that the proper communication channel should also be used.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Award Degree of Master of Science in Project Management.
Keywords
Construction, Project, Team, Strategies, Ghanaian Construction Industry