A multi-dimensional evaluative framework for examining project reputation within the construction industry: Contractors' perspective

Olawale, Oladimeji

Abstract

The construction industry, intrinsically project-focused, faces significant challenges in managing project reputation. High-profile incidents like the collapse of the Charles de Gaulle Airport terminal and the Grenfell Tower fire have starkly highlighted how individual projects can profoundly impact an organisation's reputation. Despite this, the extant literature predominantly addresses broader organisational reputation, often neglecting the nuanced and crucial aspect of project-specific reputation. This oversight has created a research gap, emphasising the need for a comprehensive framework to assess project reputation, particularly considering contractors' pivotal role in shaping project outcomes and reputations.
Therefore, this research was guided by the primary aim of constructing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional conceptual framework to assess project reputation within UK construction businesses. The objective was to delve into the theoretical underpinnings of project reputation, explore diverse stakeholder perspectives, and develop a framework addressing the unique challenges of the UK construction sector. The study adopted a critical realist stance and utilised an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach. The initial literature review pinpointed four fundamental constructs: client satisfaction, innovation, competency, and project performance, which led to formulating twelve theoretical hypotheses concerning project reputation.
To validate and contextualise these hypotheses, Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) were conducted with 33 professionals from the industry, revealing six additional influential factors not fully captured in previous literature. The synthesis of literature review findings and FGI insights yielded a list of 72 factors, forming the basis for the quantitative phase of the study. This list and the initial twelve hypotheses informed the questionnaire design, which was then piloted and disseminated broadly. Participants included UK-based contractors and stakeholders with experience in construction projects. Of 256 disseminated questionnaires, 141 were suitable for analysis, marking a 55% response rate.
The study employed statistical methods, including mean ranking, reliability testing, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, to identify critical elements influencing project reputation. A deeper exploration into the interrelationships between these factors was undertaken through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). This rigorous analytical process validated ten initial twelve hypotheses, resulting in a comprehensive SEM supported by a conceptual framework detailing the factors influencing project reputation.
The implications of this research are significant for construction entities, informing operational strategies, processes, and potential project outcomes. The findings offer insights into best practices and policy formulation, addressing issues related to project failures. By prioritising key constructs and indicators, construction firms can refine their project management approaches, concentrating on areas vital for project success and reputation enhancement. These insights are also crucial for risk management, training, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Given the widespread issues with construction project failures in the UK and globally, this research underscores the need for stricter regulations and enhanced project management practices. Policymakers can utilise these findings to develop more effective laws, improving the sector's overall reputation.
However, the research has limitations. The study's reliance on literature-defined factors may not encompass every aspect influencing project reputation. Its focus on UK contractors potentially overlooks other vital perspectives, and the specific context of the UK construction industry may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions with different industry dynamics.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 5, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 29, 2024
• Keywords: Organisational Reputation, Project Reputation, Project Success, Construction Organisation, Construction Industry, Project Performance, Innovation, Client Satisfaction, Managerial Competency
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11074652
• Award Date: Jan 29, 2024