Communication problems in projects - a research study for construction site projects: a case study of Ghana

Abstract

Communication is an indispensable element in every human interaction. In the construction industry, interaction is mainly characterised by unfamiliar groups of people who come together in a purpose-driven environment within short periods. These interactions, however, do not happen without encountering challenges. Thus, the aim of this paper is to identify the communication problems encountered on site during the construction of projects. The survey strategy was adopted for the study. Data gathered from construction managers were analysed with the principal component analysis. Overall, a total of six principal components: lack of access to information, cultural challenges, delay in information delivery, technical language challenge, lack of feedback, and lack of teamwork, emerged as the problems encountered on site communication. The results of the study bring to the fore some of the communication challenges facing the industry that requires immediate attention and solution. It is recommended for project managers and supervisors to recognise the impact of effective communication on project success and fashion out well thought out communication plans during the planning stage of the project.