Factors affecting team effectiveness in the construction industry in South Africa.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Companies within the construction industry in South Africa utilise teams to execute projects. The study explores the factors affecting team effectiveness in the construction industry in South Africa. An academic literature review was compiled with the aim of exploring existing academic literature, and applying it to the main research problem that was being investigated. The literature review established a number of factors that are considered to affect the effectiveness of teams. These factors included, but were not limited to: collaboration of the team, external support and recognition, clear and inspiring goals, principled leadership, results driven, competent team and commitment. 10 interviews were completed with project managers of construction companies in South Africa. Open ended questions were used to gain insights from the project managers on factors affecting team effectiveness in the construction industry in South Africa. A thematic analysis approach using unstructured, Interviews was used. There was convergence from the respondents regarding the factors affecting team effectiveness in the construction industry in South Africa. The main findings of the research were factors that were categorised into three groups, which are team process factors, organisational factors and leadership process factors. The factors identified as affecting team effectiveness are listed below: • The matrix organisation structure commonly used in the construction industry was found to affect the effectiveness of teams. • Having skilled resources was identified as an important factor that contributes to team effectiveness. • Having a recognition system in place in an organisation to reward the members of teams was found to positively affect team effectiveness in the construction industry. • Skilled resources were identified as an important factor that contributes to team effectiveness. • Having a recognition system in place in an organisation to reward the members of teams was found to positively affect team effectiveness in the construction industry. • Effective leadership was identified as creating an enabling environment where members can work together in delivering the project objectives. • Decision making was seen as critical within a team. Lastly, the key message is that managers of construction companies in South Africa should consider the factors that have been identified in this report as affecting team effectiveness, when establishing and managing teams in the construction industry.