BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE PROJECT COMMUNICATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

Over the years, increase in construction employment did not lead to an increase in productivity growth. One of the reasons is due to ineffective communication. This dissertation evaluates the significance of different communication barriers and their impacts on project performances. The study is based on the perspectives of project managers in the Singapore construction industry. The findings from a critical review of the literature are structured into four sections: (1) construction communication process, (2) types of communication media, (3) types of communication barriers, and (4) importance of effective communication. Five communication barriers and five project performance indicators were extracted from the above headings and assessed by 38 project managers. It is hypothesized that: (a) the five identified communication barriers hinder effective communication and (b) the most critical communication barrier will have the highest impact on project performances.

The survey indicated that multicultural barrier, other than being the most critical barrier influencing effective communication; also impacts project performances the most. However, not all identified barriers are critical barriers to effective communication, such as environmental barrier. In addition, the study also found that respondents recognized the detrimental impact of communication barriers on project performances, particularly productivity performance.

Four recommendations were suggested to alleviate the impact of multicultural communication barrier. The four recommendations include: (1) instant speech-to-speech translator application, (2) pre-screening of workers’ and project managers’ language competencies, (3) induction courses and languages trainings, and (4) pre-project handbook.

This dissertation concluded that the presence of communication barriers do pose significant threats to the formation of effective communication and performances of projects. Various limitations of this dissertation were highlighted. Nevertheless, this dissertation provides a new framework for studying communication barriers in the construction industry, as well as new directions for future research and development.