Unveiling the Impact of Task Conflict on Construction Project Performance: Mediating Role of Knowledge Integration

Abstract

Task conflict is prevalent in construction projects, and previous findings about the impact of task conflict on project performance are inconsistent, thereby creating challenges for effective conflict management. Using organizational learning theory, this study investigated the mechanism by which task conflict influences project performance. According to the literature and theoretical analysis, knowledge integration and project coordination are identified as mediators between task conflict and project performance. A survey of 248 Chinese construction projects was conducted to test the proposed model. The results indicated that task conflict promotes knowledge integration but deteriorates project performance. Knowledge integration was found to function as a mediator between task conflict and project performance. The serial mediating effect of knowledge integration and project coordination on the link between task conflict and project performance was confirmed empirically. These findings reveal how task conflict influences project performance and provide valuable implications for practice.