STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN SINGAPORE'S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: PROJECT MANAGER'S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The fabric of Singapore’s construction industry over the years has been developing with new and dynamic challenges. These challenges such as the tightening of foreign labour workforce and the implementation of Building Information model may influence behaviours of various stakeholders, thus making stakeholder management to be more complex. Currently, there are no studies in Singapore that can determine if the implementation of stakeholder management strategies can ensure that all stakeholders are effectively managed to achieve project success. Thus, the aim of this study is therefore to investigate the role of stakeholder management in boosting project outcomes. Under this aim, the specific objectives are to (1) investigate the effectiveness of stakeholders management in construction projects, (2) examine the strategies and practices that lead to better stakeholder management, and (3) study the extent to which effective stakeholder management gives rise to better project outcomes. Using a set of survey questionnaire via random sampling, quantitative data were collected from project management practitioners in the construction industry. Data collected was then analysed using the t-test of mean and Spearman’s correlation. It as discovered that most of the stakeholder management strategies presented has been significantly adopted in construction projects and 13 of these practices could significantly improve the level of effectiveness in managing project client, project consultants and main contractor. Finally, it is found that managing project stakeholders effectively can improve time performance, quality performance and client’s satisfaction. Finally, from the significant stakeholder management strategies identified through the results and findings, recommendations were proposed as a guideline for project management practitioners, especially new and upcoming project managers to manage stakeholders more effectively. It is recommended that project managers set and communicate clear project goals and objectives, understand stakeholders’ interests and forecast stakeholders’ influence on project.