The influence of the psychological characteristics of the team members on construction project performance

Lefebvre, G

Abstract

The dynamic of confrontation and conflict that prevails between project team
members and organizations in the construction industry can provoke some devastating
consequences on project performance (Loosemore, M. 1998). Furthermore, the
fragmentation of projects into different phases impacts on the professional
relationships between team members and organizations involved (Singh, A. and
Johnson, M., 1998). This context invites an investigation into the different factors
that condition the execution of a project and the impacts, (human, organizational,
institutional, governmental, technological, and others) on the relational dynamics of
project team. According to Trompenaars (1996), people and teams are as important
as other aspects (technical and organizational) in project success.
This study investigates the psychological features of the main players from the
different organizations involved in the project, and seeks to understand the influence
they have on the performance of multidisciplinary teams.
The methodological approach was to undertake in-depth case studies of the teams
associated with four recently completed construction projects in Quebec. All the
projects involved public clients. The case studies gathered information about the
performance of the projects and also the psychological characteristics of the team
members. Standard analysis tools were used to draw conclusions on the strengths and
weaknesses of the teams and the propensity for these to impact on project
performance.
The findings of the study show that all the teams had significant weaknesses that
could lead to problems with project performance. In some of the cases, the analysis
shows that there was a link between project failure and team characteristics. The study
concludes by proposing that there is a value to construction clients in evaluating
project team characteristics before projects commence. It is argued that weaknesses
can be identified and appropriate action taken to avoid potential problems in the
execution of the project

Citation

Lefebvre, G. The influence of the psychological characteristics of the team members on construction project performance. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2009