IMPACT OF INEFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION ON THE DELIVERY OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

One of the significant difficulties of a construction project is poor communication and project failure is directly connected to it as it is considered as one the principle challenges in the Construction Industry. All the various stages of construction rely on professionals transferring appropriate and relevant information to develop a buildable design that meets the client’s requirements. Information in the form of drawings, specifications and construction methods must be communicated from one expert to another. Therefore, using an appropriate communication method and communication medium to resolve construction and design problems is essential. This research however assessed the impact of ineffective communication on the delivery of construction projects in Abuja, with a view to proposing strategies for improving communication. Quantitative research method with the use of questionnaire was adopted for the study. Information needed was supplied by quantity surveyors, builders, engineers and architects working with construction firms in Abuja handling various projects and which are registered with the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI). There are presently 25 registered construction firms of which 3 questionnaires were administered to each of these 25 firms making a total of 75 and a total of 40 were retrieved giving a total of 53.33% response rate which was deemed adequate for the conduct of the research, however more would have been retrieved but for the effect of the pandemic lockdown. Analysis of data was carried out using Mean Item Score (MIS) and Relative Importance Index (RII). Results of the study revealed that the most effective channels of communication used by professionals range from Face to face/Oral conversations (RII = 0.95) to Maintenance Training (RII = 0.83). The most important cause of poor communication on construction projects range from Poor feedback (RII = 0.89) to Lack of training (RII = 0.82). The influence of poor communication on the cost (MIS = 3.80-4.55), time (MIS = 3.83-4.50) and quality (MIS = 3.53-4.25) delivery of construction projects is significant. The identified strategies for improving communication in construction projects are effective. It was concluded that ineffective communication has negative impact on project delivery. Therefore effective communication should be carried out all through the life cycle of the construction process which will lead to a positive outcome of the objectives of the project and the importance of these will further improve on: contractual relationship skill, payment and award skill, planning, scheduling of project delivery within budgeted time and cost, productivity of construction materials and machine, health and safety communication and records.