Improving Communication on Construction Sites: The Case of Selected Construction Smes in Ghana

Abstract

Construction stakeholders from various disciplines rely on various communication channels to ensure that a construction project is completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality. However, the majority of construction SMEs have paid less attention to improving effective communication on construction sites, resulting in poor performance and work productivity. Therefore, the research reported in this paper is to investigate the underlying factors that contribute to communication inefficiencies among SME construction firms and to develop modalities for improving effective communication between industry stakeholders in the construction industry. The study employed a quantitative approach, which included reviewing secondary data and collecting primary data via a structured questionnaire survey distributed to 125 construction professionals working with SMEs in Ghana, who were chosen using a snowball sampling technique. The mean ranking technique, Kruskal-Wallis test, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were among the statistical analyses used to analyse the data. According to the findings, the top three underlying factors contributing to communication problems are attitudinal barriers, unclear objectives, and a lack of technological advancement. The EFA classified the 12 effective communication modalities into three categories: effective abstract communication and feedback; stakeholder integration and unambiguous communication; and information accuracy. The study broadens construction professionals’ perspectives on recognising and prioritising modalities for improving effective communication during construction project delivery. Prioritising the various communication modalities may serve as a framework for developing tailored communication system dynamics, tools, and protocols for evaluating the effectiveness of communication by SME construction firms in project delivery on a regular basis.