An investigation of leadership characteristics of project and construction managers in the South African construction industry

Abstract: The construction industry is different from other industries due to its unique characteristics. Moreover, construction projects involve different individuals and organizations which are all gathered to achieve a specific task at a specific time. However, South African construction projects sometimes face challenges relating to quality and cost overruns. This challenges can also be attributed to ineffective leadership in the South African construction industry. Therefore, it is important to evaluate leadership in the South African construction industry. Effective leadership can improve construction productivity, where its outcomes include effectiveness, satisfaction, and project success. The main objective of the study is to identify leading characteristics of construction and project managers in the South African construction industry which influence the success of construction projects. The data used in this research were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected via a detailed review of related literature. The primary data was collected through a well structured questionnaire aimed at 150 projects and construction managers in the South African construction industry, 110 questionnaires were received (73% response rate). Data was analysis using statkon SPSS software, whereby frequecises and descriptive was attained. Findings from the study 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, discipline, ethics, positive expectations, conceptualization, and conflict resolution. Based on the outcomes of this study it is clear that leadership characteristics of a project and construction manager are important, to establish success from a construction project