Relationships among internal stakeholders in construction projects: A cognitive evaluation for sustainable team integration in Nigeria

This study evaluates the relationships among internal stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry. The objectives are to evaluate the factors influencing good working relationships, with priority placed on relationship indicators and variation in effect/priority among groups of relationships. A survey of 95 purposively sampled stakeholders resulted in 72 valid structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using mean score and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The study concludes that unitary relationships are more associated with professionals; coercive relationships more associated with contractors; while mutuality relationships are least prevalent. The influence of factors promoting/hindering good relationships do not significantly vary among the internal stakeholders (p-values = 0.665 and 0.468), while significant variation exists in the priority placed on relationship-oriented indicators (p-value = 0.015). The study recommends encouragement of mutual relationships, clear/regular communication, trust/respect for contractual conditions, cooperation/collaboration, adequate job descriptions and good job attitudes. Priority should be placed on seamless/collaborative operation, collective understanding and gain/pain-sharing, which encourage team integration.