Mediating influence of Individual Commitment and Social Networks on the relationship between Project Communication and Perceived Project Performance: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

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Date
2015Author
Ahimbisibwe, Arthur
Tumuhairwe, Ronald
Tusiime, Wilson
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effects of individual commitment and social
networks on the relationship between project communication and perceived project performance. Many
citizenship projects frequently fail to deliver on time, budget, specifications, and quality or do not deliver value
to the public. This could be attributed to ineffective project communication, lack of individual commitment and
inadequate social networks.
Design/methodology/approach–A theoretical model and hypotheses are developed from literature review. A
cross sectional data set collected from 322 project stakeholders from Uganda is used to validate the model.
Findings – Structural Equation Modelling results reveal that individual commitment and social networks
mediate the relationship between project communication and perceived project performance. The results also
suggest that social networks elements have a stronger influence towards project performance than individual
commitment elements.
Research limitations/implications – The study focuses on behavioural constructs as predictors of perceived
project performance. Although these constructs are robust and sufficiently represent the human aspects, the
multidimensional nature of behavioural practises can be investigated further. Similarly, since perceived project
performance is contextual and evolutionary, additional constructs may be incorporated into the validated model.
Practical implications–The findings suggest that individual commitment and social networks are mediators of
project communication and perceived project performance. Managers of citizenship projects need to create social
networks with their stakeholders to increase perceived project performance. Similarly, there is need to enhance
individual commitment that increases the likelihood of perceived project performance.
Originality/value-Many classical studies are reported in different domains involving these constructs; however
no existing empirical study focuses on how they are linked together. This is the first paper to investigate and
systemically document the mediating effects on this relationship.