EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN SINGAPORE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

Improvement in construction productivity has always been one of the focus areas of the local construction industry. Effective communication helps project team members to work together well which is desirable to attain high construction productivity. This dissertation aims to examine the current status of the effectiveness of communication in the local construction industry and the importance of communication in determining productivity of project. A survey questionnaire was conducted on key parties involved in a construction project: Architects, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Contractors; who held managerial positions in their respective companies and were personally involved in either a completed project or ongoing project in Singapore. 32 completed responses were gathered and analysis of the results of the survey was divided into two parts: (a) Effectiveness of communication and, (b) Views on communication in local construction industry. From the former, it was concluded that communication is ineffective as there existed a high percentage of problems encountered that could be prevented, and the use of communication media can be further improved on to maximise their productivity. And from the latter, it was discovered that views on whether communication is problematic in the industry was rather evenly divided; 53% find it problematic, 47% do not. Nevertheless, all respondents agreed that having effective communication is essential to delivering a successful project. Thus, emphasis on achieving effective communication in the industry to minimise the possibility of potential problems should be made. Based on the research findings, three methods to help ensure an effective communication network in organisations were proposed: • Complement use of bulletins/signboards with stylising reports for individuals • Implement use of a feedback mechanism • Focus on project managers as the core communicator