Managing communication among project team members from different cultural backgrounds

Abstract

This study contributes to the project communication management body of knowledge by uncovering the management of communication among project team members from different cultural backgrounds. It provides greater insight by identifying key barriers that may hinder the communication process and the differing views from Hofstede’s (2005) study. The aim of this study is to examine the differences in the way in which local and foreign contractor firms communicate with their project team members who are of different cultures. Under this aim, the specific objectives of this dissertation are: (1) to identify and assess the effectiveness of the current communication methods used, (2) to identify the communication challenges faced by Singapore firms in the industry when working with foreign project managers, (3) to identify the cultural differences encountered by local project managers when working with foreign project managers in Singapore and (4) to provide recommendations on how project managers from different cultural backgrounds can communicate effectively. Three residential case studies were investigated to gain a greater insight into various communication methods adopted by local and foreign contractor firms in communicating with project team members of different cultural backgrounds. These case studies were analyzed in terms of communication and cultural dimensions explored in the literature review stage. The findings are beneficial for project team members who are unfamiliar with cultural differences by giving them better insight in order to overcome future challenges. It also serves as a guide for foreign firms to be better prepared when they decide to venture into a construction industry outside their home countries.