Silent Failures: Uncovering the Root Causes of Poor Communication in Malaysian Construction Projects

Abstract

Communication-related issues significantly hinder project performance throughout the construction project lifecycle. This study aimed to identify the key causes of poor communication in construction projects to mitigate communication-related issues. A comprehensive literature review identified 20 potential causes and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 106 Malaysian construction stakeholders, including clients, consultants and developers. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found five primary causes of poor communication, namely: (1) lack of effective communication between parties, (2) poor planning and coordination, (3) inadequate communication skills, (4) unclear objectives and (5) improper communication channels. The study’s exploratory factor analysis revealed four underlying factors contributing to poor communication: (1) ineffective communication and supportive tools, (2) noise in communication, (3) fragmentation and coordination problems and (4) improper planning and language disabilities. These findings provide valuable insights for construction practitioners, offering guidance on addressing communication issues before they negatively impact project performance. The study also informs researchers and practitioners on the critical causes of poor communication, facilitating the development of effective strategies to enhance communication effectiveness.