The Construction Manager Leading Characteristics for the Success of Construction Projects in the Gaza Strip

Abstract

The construction industry is differ from any other industries due to its unique characteristics. A construction project is consisted of a diversity of individuals and organizations which are all gathered to achieve specific task in a specific time. Therefore, leadership is an important characteristic for construction manager in managing construction project. leadership can improve construction productivity, where its outcomes include effectiveness, satisfaction, and extra effort. The main objective of the study is to identify leading characteristics of construction manager which influence the success of construction projects in Gaza Strip. Also, this objective is supported through identification of methods that develop these characteristics, investigation statistically if there is a relationship between the project failure and project manager characteristics, and finding out of a method for measuring site managers' effectiveness with focus on the identification of personal factors. This study was focus on the build in personal characteristics and not on the external environment. The objectives of this research have been achieved through a comparative study of closed-ended questionnaires with interviews and a case study in Gaza Strip. 90 questionnaire surveys have been conducted and were distributed to construction project managers inGazastrip. 81 questionnaires were received. 42 factors, including 120 sub-factors were rated by respondents. The data have been analyzed and interpreted statistically through numerical statistic and descriptive statistic. The results of analysis indicate that the main leading characteristics which influence the success of construction projects include monitoring for results, problem solving and informed judgment, team building, initiative, influencing, communication, visioning, planning and goal setting, time management, sense of responsibility, empowerment and conscientious discipline, ethics, positive expectations, conceptualization, and conflict resolution. It was established that important methods to develop the leading characteristics include job experience, watching, observing, mentoring or coaching by seniors, company training, education courses since college or attending seminars, self-education or reading, and education courses during college. Also, it was found that there is a relationship between project manager characteristics and failure of the project. Findings indicate that the main personal factors which influence the effectiveness of site manager include management abilities, traits and abilities, administrative experience, experience, leadership abilities, human relations, technical ability, and personality. The study concluded that construction manager leading characteristics influence the success of the project positively, and it can be acquired through never-ending training and learning. Also, it concluded that personal factors have an important influence on the effectiveness of site manager, and the lack of manager characteristics may lead to project failure.