Network communication in the construction industry

Multiple parties are involved in completing a construction project. Such parties possess different skills and each sets out to be self-sufficient. However, it is accepted that communication between parties is critical to the success of an alliance. A supporting mechanism is developed, which determines the roles of inter- and intra-organisational communication, and helps to achieve efficient and effective communication. Communication between construction alliance parties consists of several aspects. First, inter-organisational communication should take place in the alliance team. Representatives from individual organisations take the role for communication in the team. Second, communication channels are created for either close contacts or distant connections. Finally, the choice of channels depends on the amount of information, how instant it needs to be, and the efficiency and effectiveness of communication. Copyright © 2001 MCB University Press.