Title: Comparative Analysis Of Communication Types And Their Effectiveness In Enhancing Project Success Among Cross-Functional Teams In Construction Firms In Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Dr. Micah Nyone Uelee, Prof. Eze Basil U.
Volume: 9
Issue: 7
Pages: 1-9
Publication Date: 2025/07/28
Abstract:
The study comparatively analyzed communication types and their effectiveness in enhancing project success among cross-functional teams in construction firms in Rivers State. Elaborately, the study aimed to explore how dimensions of communication types, such as verbal communication, non-verbal communication, and written communication, enhance project success among cross-functional teams in construction firms in Rivers State. The study population consisted of thirty-seven (37) active construction firms in Rivers State. The population also became the sample through a census study. As for the respondents, six essential personnel (Site Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager, Architect, HSE Officer, Supervisor) were selected from each of the construction companies, making them a total of 222 (i.e, 6*37 = 222). After proper validation, primary data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha via SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used to ascertain the instrument's reliability. 222 questionnaire copies were given to the target respondents. However, the researcher retrieved 193 (i.e, 87% retrieval). The hypotheses were tested using Repeated Measures ANOVA in SPSS Version 23.0. The study revealed that: verbal communication has the highest mean of 14.13, which means that the respondents perceived it to be the most effective communication type among cross-functional teams of construction firms in Rivers State; there is a statistically significant difference in perceived effectiveness between the communication types (verbal communication, non-verbal communication, and written communication), and; verbal and non-verbal communication types are perceived to be significantly more effective than written communication in enhancing project success. The study concluded that effective communication, particularly verbal engagement, remains a cornerstone of successful cross-functional teamwork, underscoring the need for construction firms to invest in communication training and adopt hybrid strategies that match project demands and team diversity. Among others, the study recommended that construction firms in Rivers State should institutionalize regular training workshops to enhance verbal communication skills such as clarity, active listening, articulation, and feedback mechanisms, thereby improving coordination and decision-making on-site.