Project Management Practitioners Research Articles

Challenges of scaling agile in large enterprises and implications for project management

PurposeThis study seeks to illuminate the managerial tensions inherent in implementing scaled agile (on the organizational, top management, middle management and team levels) and to frame these challenges within the broader context of project management.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a grounded theory approach and delves into a qualitative dataset sourced from 34 interviews with subject matter experts actively engaged in scaling agile initiatives within large organizations spanning various industries. Additionally, the data have been enriched through a comprehensive literature review of the existing body of knowledge on scaling agile.FindingsAs a result of our investigation, we propose a framework of managerial tensions in scaling agile in large corporate settings and a series of research propositions and questions that may contribute significantly to the body of knowledge surrounding the phenomenon of “deprojectification” and propose agenda for the future studies in the field of project management.Research limitations/implicationsThe study also carries significant managerial implications. Firstly, based on the insights from the practice of scaling agile in large corporate setting, management can build awareness of the challenges inherent of transitioning to agile practices. This may help to anticipate the possible problems and proactively develop strategies how to address them. Secondly, management can be instructed about contingencies inherent in scaling agile, along with the potential disfunctions and side effects (unintended outcomes) that may emerge during the transition process. Thirdly, project management practitioners can gain insights on how scaling agile may cause shifts in the approach to managing projects, project team management and competencies that need to be developed to cope with environments where various approaches to managing projects coexist.Practical implicationsThese insights can aid in the agile transition process, beginning with directing managerial attention toward contextual factors and progressing through potential challenges at the organizational, top management, middle management and team levels. Furthermore, the study highlights possible dysfunctionalities and side effects of scaling agile, shedding light on the “dark side” of agile.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the expansion of the empirical database on the implementation of agile practices in large organizational settings. It plays a role in defining and delineating the phenomenon of scaling agile within the context of project management and outlines a research agenda for future project management studies. Additionally, our study adds to the ongoing discourse surrounding the “deprojectification” effect that can occur during the scaling of agile. Lastly, it establishes connections between project management and software development literature regarding the implementation of agile at scale.

Project managers: old, grumpy and suspicious or just “once bitten, twice shy?”

PurposeThis research aspires to contribute in the area of exploration of the psychological traits evolving by practitioners within the project management profession. Specifically, it investigates whether there is any difference in optimism levels among experienced project management practitioners and newcomers in the profession.Design/methodology/approachThe research used the life orientation test-revised (LOTR) (Scheier et al., 1994) to calculate respondents’ optimism scores. With these scores at hand, the researchers could then apply inferential statistics in order to deduce any differences observed among optimism score and the respondents’ characteristics (age, years of experience etc.).FindingsBased on the results of this research, several demographic variables were shown to be statistically significant with optimism. These were (1) the number of years of experience the respondent had in managing projects, (2) working in a government organisation and (3) possessing specific project management certifications, all of which were found to adversely affect the respondent’s optimism score.Originality/valueThis research was unique in applying a well-known psychological test instrument (LOTR) to provide insight into the psychological impacts of a career as an information technology (IT) project manager. It is also highly likely that this correlation between the length of time working as a project manager and the adverse impact on their optimism would also apply to not just IT project managers but all experienced project managers.

Navigating sustainable project management in construction: Exploring the differential impact of coercive pressures and ethical responsibility using importance-performance matrix analysis (IPMA)

This study explores the primary drivers influencing sustainable project management (SPM) practices in the construction industry. This research study seeks to determine whether firms are primarily motivated by external pressures or internal values when embracing SPM practices. In doing so, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on SPM drivers by considering coercive pressures (CP), ethical responsibility (ER), and green transformational leadership (GTL) as critical enablers facilitating a firm’s adoption of SPM practices. Based on data from 196 project management practitioners in Pakistan, structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. Results highlight that CP influences the management of sustainability practices in construction projects, signifying firms’ concern for securing legitimacy from various institutional actors. As an ‘intrinsic value’, ER emerges as a significant motivator for ecological stewardship, driven by a genuine commitment to promoting sustainable development. This study also unveils the significant moderating effect of GTL on the association among CP, ER, and SPM. Lastly, the results of IMPA reveal that ER slightly performs better than CP as it helps firms internalize the essence of sustainability. This research study expands our understanding of SPM drivers in construction projects by exploring the differential impact of external pressures and the firm’s intrinsic values. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, aiding them in promoting SPM to attain sustainable development goals.

Smart contract applications in the built environment: How prepared are Nigerian construction stakeholders?

Studies have demonstrated that advanced technology, such as smart contract applications, can enhance both pre- and post-contract administration within the built environment sector. Smart contract technology, exemplifying blockchain technologies, has the potential to improve transparency, trust, and the security of data transactions within this sector. However, there is a dearth of academic literature concerning smart contract applications within the construction industries of developing countries, with a specific focus on Nigeria. Consequently, this study seeks to explore the relevance of smart contract technology and address the challenges impeding its adoption, offering strategies to mitigate the obstacles faced by smart contract applications. To investigate the stakeholders, this research conducted 14 virtual interview sessions to achieve data saturation. The interviewees encompassed project management practitioners, senior management personnel from construction companies, experts in construction dispute resolution, professionals in construction software, and representatives from government construction agencies. The data obtained from these interviews underwent thorough analysis employing a thematic approach. The study duly recognizes the significance of smart contract applications within the sector. Among the 12 identified barriers, issues such as identity theft and data leakage, communication and synchronization challenges, high computational expenses, lack of driving impetus, excessive electricity consumption, intricate implementation processes, absence of a universally applicable legal framework, and the lack of a localized legal framework were recurrent impediments affecting the adoption of smart contract applications within the sector. The study also delves into comprehensive measures to mitigate these barriers. In conclusion, this study critically evaluates the relevance of smart contract applications within the built environment, with a specific focus on promoting their usage. It may serve as a pioneering effort, especially within the context of Nigeria.

Leveraging Organizational Social Capital in Construction Projects to Enhance Project Success: The Enabling Role of Transformational Leadership

Building on the theories of social capital and self-determination as complementary perspectives, this study investigates how an individual’s idea of organizational social capital affects project success by testing a dual-stage moderated mediation model with self-efficacy as a mediator and transformational leadership as a moderator at both the first and second stages. Time-lagged data from 213 project management practitioners were collected from construction project–based firms. It was revealed that self-efficacy partially mediates the effect of an employee’s perception of organizational social capital on project success. Additionally, moderation results support the proposed hypotheses. We discussed theoretical and practical implications.

IMPACT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUCCESS IN THE SRI LANKAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of project management methodology (PMM) on project management success (PMS) of the construction industry in Sri Lanka by developing a new model to the existing body of knowledge and to contribute some practical aspects to the project management practitioners. Accordingly, the conceptual framework was developed with the theoretical support of the Contingency theory. The researcher-administrated questionnaires were distributed under a one-time survey strategy and 381 respondents were used for analysis. According to the nature of the study, the widely used Structural Equation Modelling technique (SEM) was used to analyze the data, and SmartPLS Version 3 was used as the tool found that all three project methodologies are impacting significantly on Project Management Success with Standard Project Management Methodology (SPMM) being the strongest followed by Customized Project Management Methodology (CPMM) and Inhouse Developed Project Management Methodologies (IPMM). The findings of this study show that 39% of the variation in project management success is explained by the project management methodologies.

Organisational Interventions for Improving Mental Health of Project Management Practitioners during COVID-19 in Architecture, Engineering and Construction Sectors in Australia

The introduction of COVID-19-related psychosocial risks to the Australian architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) project organisation has triggered the development of innovative organisational interventions for mitigating the risks and promoting of positive mental health among project management (PM) practitioners. Therefore, the paper aims to explore the COVID-19-related organisational interventions for improving mental health in the AEC project organisation. Through a comprehensive literature review, 20 organisation interventions were retrieved, and an online expert forum was conducted with nine industry experts. The results of the expert opinion confirmed the 20 organisational interventions identified from the literature. Moreover, the organisational interventions were used to develop a questionnaire survey distributed among PM practitioners via convenient sampling. Mean score ranking analysis was used to analyses the survey responses from 58 participants. The research findings show that the identified organisational interventions are important, but are ranked differently by architecture, engineering and construction sectors based on their importance in promoting mental health.

Not the usual project management: a better way to prepare for major disruptions

Purpose Organizations have always faced the possibility of disruptions. Traditional approaches, such as shifting risks through insurance or improving organizational resiliency, view disruptions as threats. This study aims to propose a new perspective where disruptions can also be opportunities. By adopting project portfolio management (PPM), organizations can develop proactive capabilities to manage uncertainty and prepare to exploit future disruptions. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on publicly available research reports, company reports, professional standards and press reports, this study describes key features of PPM and provides detailed practical guidance on how to apply PPM in daily operations, especially in preparation for the next disruption. Findings The key steps in applying PPM in daily operations are: align portfolios and projects with strategic goals and objectives; establish a robust governance framework; optimize resource capability and capacity; build and implement appropriate implementation methodologies; continuously monitor, review and optimize the project portfolio; and develop a culture that embraces risks, innovation and adaptability. Research limitations/implications This research has several limitations and implications. On limitations, the study was constrained by publicly available data, an in-depth interview with a consulting firm and a survey based on convenient sampling. These limitations will impact the generalizability of the findings. On implications, this paper shows how organizations can prepare for future disruptions by applying PPM. There are other ways to prepare for the unpredictable future, and further research is needed to explore other methods. Practical implications The results of this study have important practical implications for all organizations and in all sectors. Major disruptions are matters of “when,” not “how,” and responsible organizations need to pay attention. Based on the PPM discipline, this research provides an approach for business executives and project management practitioners to tackle this challenge. Furthermore, portfolio managers should use this information to promote and advocate for more disciplined planning to confront the uncertain future. Social implications The findings of this paper carry important social implications. As the recent events showed the vastness of disruptions, from extreme heat to fires in Maui, sitting idly and waiting passively for an unpredictable future is not an option. This paper advocates the need for more awareness and preparation for future disruption by applying PPM. Furthermore, this research provides concrete guidelines for organizations and practitioners to consider as they confront the unknown. Additional research should investigate other effective strategies to meet the challenges of an uncertain and volatile future. Originality/value This study offers practical steps on how organizations may manage not only to survive but also to thrive in an uncertain and volatile world.

Investigating the Point of View of Project Management Practitioners on Technical Debt - A Study on Stack Exchange

Context: Technical debt (TD) can bring short-term benefits to software projects, but its presence is associated with issues such as decreasing product quality. Recent literature has proposed various approaches for identifying and managing TD, but most of them focus on the software developers’ point of view. Little is known about how project management practitioners perceive and manage TD items. Goal: This work aims to investigate how project management practitioners discuss and experience TD. Method: To achieve this goal, our work mines, curates, and selects a total of 108 TD-related discussions on the Stack Exchange Project Management (SEPM) Q&A site. These discussions amount to 547 posts and 882 text comments on the subject. We analyze this data set quantitatively and qualitatively, using open coding to derive TD types, indicators, and management practices. Results: We identified 74 indicators used for recognizing debt items and 126 TD management practices. The types of debt most discussed at SEPM are process and people debts. This contradicts studies done with developers where code and design debts are most discussed. Conclusion: The perspective considered by project management practitioners to analyze the TD phenomenon is different from the one considered by other roles in the software development process. Our work organizes the identified TD indicators and management practices into a Sankey diagram, which may assist TD management practitioners and serve as guidance for future research on the subject.

Causes of time and cost overruns in construction projects: a scoping review

This scoping review aims to enhance construction project management practices by identifying the key factors contributing to time and cost overruns. More than 300 articles were studied, out of which 73 were relevant to this review scope. Following the methodological recommendations proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA checklist, this scoping review explores research trends regarding the geographical and temporal contexts, the nature of projects analyzed, the research approach, and the main causes of time and cost overruns. Moreover, current research gaps within the field have been identified. Findings suggest that the volume and breadth of research on causes of time and cost overruns have grown over the years. Regarding geographical contexts, Asia and Africa have consistently contributed to the literature, while a notable absence of research is observed in Europe, America, and Oceania. In addition, a tendency among articles to replicate research approaches and methods has been identified. Lastly, this study reveals that the project execution phase emerges as the primary stage where cost and time deviations occur, emphasizing the crucial role of project management practitioners. Hence, results attest to the critical role of prioritizing more effective project management practices to mitigate unexpected time and cost overruns in construction projects.

Job crafting intervention for job burnout and work engagement among young construction project management practitioners in China

PurposeYoung construction project management practitioners (CPMPs) have unique, complex, and notable occupational mental health problems. However, there were few studies about the intervention for occupational mental health of CPMPs, and traditional intervention modes often failed to achieve significant effects. Therefore, this study aims to propose a new and effective intervention method.Design/methodology/approachJob crafting intervention was used to design an intervention experiment. A total of 72 CPMPs participated in a 10-week randomized controlled trial in China. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to verify the effectiveness of job crafting intervention (JCI) on job crafting behaviors, job burnout, and work engagement with consideration of the impact of time.FindingsResults showed that the intervention increased social resources, thus effectively reducing job burnout and promoting work engagement. Time also had a significant impact on cynicism, dedication, and social resources.Practical implicationsThe authors should promote the habit of job crafting in CPMPs. Furthermore, in order to facilitate their job crafting, the authors should increase structural and social resources for them, and the authors can also encourage them to undertake challenging demands to increase their self-efficacy and the sense of achievement.Originality/valueThe authors bring into light a new psychological intervention approach among CPMPs, which integrates the advantages of the guidance in traditional organized intervention methods and the proactivity in individual spontaneous job crafting. The authors verify the efficacy of the JCI among CPMPs and help propose countermeasures and suggestions to improve the occupational mental health of CPMPs.

Project stakeholder engagement through gamification: what do we know and where do we go from here?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how gamification may be used for project stakeholder engagement.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the results of a systematic literature review of extant research concerning the gamification of projects. Based on this, an agenda for future studies is outlined.FindingsExtant research on the gamification of projects is scarce and scattered among various disciplines, but the engineering fields dominate. The research performed does indicate that gamification may be used for involving stakeholders in projects, primarily by promoting learning, but also by engaging them, motivating action and solving problems.Research limitations/implicationsIn several cases, extant research display poor quality in research design and a lack in cross-disciplinary perspectives, which means that more research is needed. The users’ perspective is often lacking. Furthermore, the ideas gamification might be “hidden” within other technologies.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research may assist project management practitioners in the endeavor of adopting gamification principles to better involve stakeholders.Originality/valueThe study fills a gap in summarizing the research on how gamification may be used to promote project stakeholder engagement. Based on this, it proposes a research agenda for future research on the use of gamification to promote project stakeholder engagement.

Practitioner Application of Ethics in Ethical Decision-Making Within Projects: A Process Theory View

This study examines the approach and range of thinking project management practitioners apply when dealing with issues that have ethical considerations. This article presents a nuanced view of processual engagement with ethics rather than a narrower decision model-based approach based on responses to various ethically challenging scenarios that may confront project managers. Based on qualitative data from a more extensive study we find that practitioner considerations regarding specific ethical decisions range from precursors to the development of a situation as a problem through particular actions and decisions, to potential ways that adverse outcomes can be remediated, and positive ones enhanced. We find that these concerns arise in addition to ethical decision-making considering all three core ethical views collectively, though not necessarily by each individual. The findings suggest broadening the investigation of ethical behavior from making better judgments to structuring the environment where such choices are made, laying solid foundations for ensuring positive choices, and working with even poor choices when they are still the best available to mitigate and control consequences.

Tackling stress of project management practitioners in the Australian construction industry: the causes, effects and alleviation

PurposeThe problem of stress is increasingly gaining attention in the construction industry in recent years. This study is aimed at examining the causes, effects and possible alleviation of stress of project management (PM) practitioners so that their stress could be appropriately managed and reduced, which would contribute to improved mental health.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected in an online questionnaire survey via Qualtrics. Questions ranged from PM practitioners’ stressors, stress and performance under stress to stress alleviation tools and techniques. One hundred and five PM practitioners completed the questionnaire. Their responses were compiled and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression.FindingsThe results confirmed that the identified stressors tended to increase stress of PM practitioners. All stressors tested in this study were found to have negative impact on the performance of PM practitioners. In particular, the burnout stressors were seen as the key stressors that influence the performance of PM practitioners and have a strong correlation with all the other stressors. It was also found that a number of tools and techniques can reduce the impact of stressors on PM practitioners.Originality/valueThis study has taken a specific focus on stress-related issues of PM practitioners in the construction industry due to their critical role in this project-dominated industry. Using the Job Demand-Resource theory, a holistic examination was not only conducted on stress and stressors but also on alleviation tools and techniques. This study has thus made significant contribution to the ongoing research aimed at finding solutions to mental health-related problems in the project-dominated construction industry, thereby achieving the United Nations’ social sustainability development goals.

Teaching project management to primary school children: a scoping review

AbstractTeachers have used projects in children’s education for over a century. More recently, project management knowledge and skills have become essential when students manage technological solutions from inception to presentation. This paper presents the first scoping literature review on teaching project management to primary school students. A total of 33 publications between 2000 and 2022 were analysed and presented both descriptively and thematically. While the review did not identify any empirical studies of teaching project management to primary school students, it did reveal several examples of suggested teaching approaches, project management activity, and common elements associated with project management. The review concludes with a recommendation for researchers, educators, and project management practitioners to build upon this research by exploring the effectiveness of comprehensive approaches to teaching project management to primary school students. This paper represents a significant area of research as project management is one of the most critical skills for students to achieve success in the twenty-first century.

Impact pathways: managing relational risk in project operations

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess how we implement new ways of managing relational risk at the operational level of outsourced projects and to provide guidance to project management (PM) policy makers and practitioners seeking to ensure project operations consistently deliver project relational risk management (PRRM) strategies.Design/methodology/approachThrough exploratory study data were obtained from a panel of six experts in PM and from a pilot survey of PM practitioners. The data reveal future directions and vectors for scholarship and research activity in terms of the impact of PRMM-related mechanisms and deliverables on project success and the implementation process to enhance PRRM as a key PM capability.FindingsDeliverables for PRRM need to part of a multidimensional framework that includes mechanisms besides the contract. Such a framework enables the codification of PM knowledge so that PRRM contributes to project success. With knowledge codified, PRRM strategies can be consistently delivered at the operational level. The framework is novel in that it integrates hereto disparate elements that are encompassed under the broad umbrella of relational governance mechanisms.Practical implicationsPM policy makers and practitioners recognise the importance of effective relationships to deliver projects successfully, yet they lack practical solutions to address the negative effects of dysfunctional relationships. The authors provide a list of PM deliverables for effective PRRM, including deliverables besides those related to the contract, which can be used in practice to bring the gap between PRRM strategy development and implementation. This will enable client organisations that outsource their projects to an external contractor to enhance their PRRM capability and increase the likelihood of project success.Originality/valueThe authors provide insights into how PRRM is practised at the project operations’ level where PM is outsourced. These insights lead to three pathways of impactful Operations Management (OM)/PM scholarship and research, namely, the following: 1) How PM deliverables act as a key success factor for effective PRRM? 2) How the duality of roles carried out by PM actors influences PRMM practices? 3) How companies innovate to enhance their PRMM capability? These pathways will enable PM research and scholarship to address disconnects between PRMM strategy and operations and hence go beyond answering “what” PRMM is to encompass “how” it is implemented.

Дослідження кар'єрних переходів українських IT-проєктних менеджерів на перше місце роботи

The article is devoted to the analysis of career transitions to the first place of work among Ukrainian IT project managers. Background. Software development is an increasingly important branch of the Ukrainian economy, especially in the period of rebalancing caused by the war and the flow of human talent from traditional economy sectors to new creative industries. Career transition to the project manager position is one of the easiest ways to attract personnel from other sectors of the economy to the IT industry. In this regard, it seems important to determine which socio-psychological factors contribute to the career transition of project managers in IT to the first place of work and to provide recommendations regarding measures to increase the number of IT specialists in Ukraine. Methods. A career and organizational psychology literature review was carried out on career transitions, career stages, and career choice. Analysis and synthesis were used to identify the methodological foundations of this psychological phenomenon. An online survey was conducted and an analysis of the sources of transitions to the first place of work in IT by project managers was presented. The method of transition to the first place of work is analyzed. Results. The concept of career transitions and related terms are revealed. The hypothesis about the predominance of the desired psychological portrait over the necessary knowledge when hiring project managers without experience in IT for the first place of work was confirmed. Based on the results of the research analysis, it is shown that the majority of transitions (53 %) to the position of the project manager are now taking place from within the IT industry due to self-study (79 %). Conclusion. The main factors that will contribute to a greater number of career transitions to the first position of non-IT project managers are determined to decrease the contrast between the position of an IT project manager and the position of a project manager from other areas of business. And also the minimization of negative surprises that can lead to the dismissal of such sweaters during the first employment. The expediency of introducing a greater number of activities to gain experience in project management, leadership, working communication, and creating and managing projects in university programs is indicated. Recommendations are provided for the following researchers and practitioners of project management who will work with the topic of career transitions to the first place of work of IT project managers in Ukraine.

A Risk Assessment Framework for Scheduling Projects With Resource and Duration Uncertainties

This article investigates the impacts of uncertainties in duration and resource availability and usage on project time and cost. This is done by modeling different scenarios as relevant resource-constrained project scheduling problems. The aim is to develop a scheduling risk assessment framework (SRAF) to model uncertainties in duration and resources and to observe their impact on project objectives (i.e., completion time and cost). This framework provides appropriate information for managers and decision makers and facilitates project planning (scheduling and budgeting) by incorporating uncertainties and risks. To visualize the risk, this article uses an extended version of the integrated definition standard as the example business process. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed SRAF under varied dynamic conditions, we have considered and solved a practical case study using a self-developed heuristic approach, titled enhanced move-based local search heuristic. The computational results and useful insights open an avenue for future research in the field of project management, which will provide some important propositions or guidelines for project management practitioners.

Effect of project organization elements on the mental health of project management practitioner in AEC projects

PurposeDue to the frenetic and dynamic working conditions ascribed to architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) project organizations, enormous research has addressed the poor mental health propensity of project management practitioners (PMPs). However, research has not considered the distant factors related to organizational design causing poor mental health. Therefore, this study addresses the problem by integrating institutional theory, agency theory and resource-based theory (RBT) to explore the relationship between organizational design elements: project governance, knowledge management, integrated project delivery, project management skills and mental health management indicators. Examples of mental health management indicators include social relationships, work-life balance and project leadership.Design/methodology/approachPurposive sampling method was adopted to collect survey data from 90 PMPs in 60 AEC firms in Australia. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilized to test the relationship between the variables.FindingsThe research found that project governance, knowledge management and integrated project delivery are positively correlated to mental health management indicators. However, the research finding suggests that project management skills have a negative impact on mental health management indicators.Originality/valueThe findings offer guidelines to AEC firms on achieving positive mental health management outcomes through concentration on project governance, knowledge management and integrated project delivery. It further calls for a reconsideration of existing project management skills causing poor mental health management outcomes.

PESTEL analysis of mental health management of project management practitioners (PMPs) in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) project organization

PurposeArchitectural, engineering and construction (AEC) project organizations are under constant pressure to improve the mental health of project management practitioners (PMPs) due to complexity and dynamism involved in project management practices. Drawing on institutional theory, this research explores how external environmental factors, political factors, economic factors, social factors, technological factors, environmental factors and legal factors (PESTEL), influence mental health management indicators that contribute to positive mental health.Design/methodology/approachPurposive sampling method was used to collect survey data from 82 PMPs in 60 AEC firms in Australia. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses based on 82 items of data collected from PMPs.FindingsOverall, this study revealed interesting findings on the impact of external environmental factors on mental health. The hypothesized positive association between political factors and mental health management indicators was rejected. The data supported the proposed hypothetical correlation between economic factors and mental health management indicators and the influence of social factors on mental health management indicators. Moreover, a hypothetical relationship between technological factors and mental health management indicators was supported. The significant positive impact of environmental factors on mental health management indicators proposed was supported, and legal factors’ positive correlation on mental health management indicators was also supported.Originality/valueDespite the limitations, the present findings suggest that all the external environment factors except political factors shape mental health management outcomes.