Group Dynamics and Construction Project Manager

Abstract

Construction is a labor‐intensive industry and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. One of the key areas in the project manager's strategic and tactical management of a construction project is managing people. This paper starts by reviewing some of the classic theories on human group behavior, and relates them to construction project management. It further argues that group dynamics has significant impact on project performance. Overall effectiveness and efficiency of the project depend on the coordinated efforts of individuals working together on‐ and off‐site in groups within the whole project‐management system. Communication is presented as the basis of construction project group dynamics, allowing the interactions that are necessary in carrying out project activities. Two‐way communication, feedback, and “checking for meaning” are means of facilitating mutual understanding between project team members, and between various groups. The paper concludes by looking at the purpose of project groups or teams, and accomplishment of the same.