Engendering project management competencies in Saudi Arabian construction professionals

Abstract

Purpose Persisting construction performance shortcomings in the Saudi Arabian construction industry requires engendering project management competencies in construction professionals’ roles and responsibilities. The purpose of this study was to determine significant construction project management competencies for Saudi Arabian construction professionals. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional questionnaire survey used project managers’ competencies from the literature. Construction professionals participated in the survey. Normalisation was used to determine the critical individual competencies. Statistically significant differences due to designations and organisations were analysed. Factor analysis revealed the relationships among significant competencies. Findings The most critical individual competencies included communication, team building and leadership skills. However, Project managers and all other construction professionals had statistically significant differences in insights on some of the critical competencies. The results revealed seven components: behaviour and attitude-related competencies; fundamental project management-related competencies; pro-active, knowledge and creativity-related competencies; political and organisational-related competencies; stakeholder management and experience-related competencies; management-related competencies; and confidence, commitment and negotiation-related competencies. Research limitations/implications Evidently, inculcating project management competencies is essential for construction professionals to enhance project performance. The failure to get insights from the National Project Management Office officials was a limitation; however, views from construction professionals were sufficient as they are the most affected stakeholders. Originality/value The study determined project management competencies necessary for Saudi Arabian construction professionals to improve their project delivery performance.