Examining the role of community interest in improving responsible project management practices in construction projects: a developing country's perspective.

Abstract

This study draws on CSR & stakeholder theories to explore how community interest (CI) influence Responsible Project Management Practices (RPMP) in construction projects in Nigeria. The study further sought to identify the responsible actions required of the project managers to demonstrate ethical practices and ensure hitch-free relationships with the community. To achieve this, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the results showed that CI like employment, recognition, and accountability encourage RPMP in the construction industry. We discovered that CI enhances RPMP by creating collaboration, abating acrimony, reducing costs, and saving time, thereby, enhancing sustainability practices. Actions like sensitization, communication, engagement, and interactions enhance ethical practices and ameliorated protests and animosity among the project stakeholders. This research contributes to the theory of RPMP, by demonstrating the role of CI in influencing RPMP. Project managers are advised to integrate CI into projects to improve relationships, prevent agitations, and gain supportive stakeholders.