Critical Success Criteria for Programs in China: Construction Companies’ Perspectives

Abstract

Construction programs in China have been growing in popularity, yet little rigorous research has been done to identify their critical success criteria. Based on a comprehensive literature review and considering the distinct cultural, political, and business environment in China, this study developed a preliminary theoretical construct for assessing construction program success consisting of 16 criteria. To validate the proposed construct, an extensive questionnaire was utilized to which 389 construction industry practitioners from six different Chinese cities responded. A factor analysis was then conducted and revealed four underlying dimensions for construction programs’ success: (1) organizational strategic goals, (2) construction program performance, (3) social harmony, and (4) project stakeholders’ satisfaction. An empirical model that illustrates how a program’s success criteria fit together was then developed. The results of this research can guide the process of assessing the performance of construction programs as well as promote the success of construction program management.