Communication, coordination, decision-making and knowledge-sharing: a case study in construction management

Moza Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Amrik Sohal, Yaser Hawas, Brian Fildes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to examine four key management processes, namely, communication, coordination, decision-making and knowledge-sharing, to determine how these impact on transportation infrastructure project success. The context for this study is the construction of a major highway in the United Arab Emirates. Design/methodology/approach: Multiple sources of data are used in this case study that include the following: examination of various documents relating to the project in question; interviews with ten key stakeholders involved with the construction of the project; observations made during the site visit and interviews conducted with four site engineers; a focus group conducted with six key stakeholders involved in the project; and finally interviews conducted with the Minister of Public Works and the Director-General of the Ministry of Public Works. Analysis was conducted using NVivo. Findings: Identification and involvement of key stakeholders, particularly in the early phases of a construction project, is found to be highly critical. Managers must develop detailed understanding of stakeholders’ influence in terms of their legitimacy, power and urgency in achieving effectiveness of the management processes. Originality/value: The study highlights how different stakeholders influence communication, coordination, decision-making and knowledge-sharing at different stages of the construction project. Hence, understanding stakeholder’s level of legitimacy, power and urgency across the different stages of a project is highly critical.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1764-1781
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Knowledge Management
Volume23
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 28 2019

Keywords

  • Communication
  • Construction industry
  • Coordination
  • Decision making
  • Knowledge sharing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Strategy and Management
  • Management of Technology and Innovation

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