Developing a temporary multi-organization integration performance index for delivering construction projects in Malaysia

Abstract

The importance of measuring the integration practices in temporary multiorganizations (TMOs) has been emphasized in the construction literature. In order to address this gap, five rounds of Delphi questionnaire survey have been conducted with 24 construction experts in Malaysia, in order to identify the most significant key determinants (KDs) of TMO integration practice. The results reveal that the top five weighted KDs to evaluate TMO integration practice were: (1) commitment from top management; (2) team leadership; (3) focusing on goals and objectives; (4) effective communication; (5) trust and respect. A conceptual TMO integration performance index was then developed based on the identified KDs and their relative weightings. This study found that in order for TMO integration practice to be successful, more attention should be placed on the behavioural construct of the TMOs. It is expected that the index would allow improved conceptualization and measurement of TMO integration practice, which is in line with the long-term national policy on construction reform through collaborative initiatives. This study expands the current frontiers of objective assessment for TMO integration and strengthening construction professionals’ understanding on measuring organizational integration. In addition, the methodology adopted could be replicated in other countries to produce similar indices for international comparison.