EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT STYLES ADOPTED BY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The construction industry has been significantly affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The industry has had to adopt remote working and Safe Management Measures to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Such substantial changes in the work environment call for strong leadership to maintain organisational efficiency in construction project management (CPM) professionals. This research aims to identify the effective leadership and management styles adopted by CPM professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The literature review revealed 4 predominant leadership styles (autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire and crisis management leadership) consisting of 23 leadership variables in total. Additionally, 16 challenges faced by CPM professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and 10 work outcomes of subordinates of CPM professionals were identified. An online questionnaire was designed and distributed to CPM professionals in Singapore who had managed and coordinated CPM works before and during critical periods of the pandemic.

The data was analysed using SPSS software. Based on Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected 15 leadership variables of CPM professionals and 9 work outcomes of their subordinates. In addition, out of the 16 challenges faced by CPM professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, 11 were found to be significantly challenging.

The study's findings resulted in various recommendations being proposed to CPM professionals on how they could become more effective leaders. Some of these recommendations include provision of adequate technology, provision of protective equipment, incorporation of Zoom and Teams in work culture, flexible work options and access to mental health support.