The Role of Supervising Consultants in Enhancing Communication Effectiveness in Construction Projects: Evidence from Aceh, Indonesia
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Abstract
Construction projects involve complex interactions among multiple stakeholders, making effective communication a critical determinant of project success. However, communication breakdown remains a persistent issue, particularly in developing regions such as Aceh, Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the role of supervising consultants in enhancing communication effectiveness in construction projects. A quantitative research approach was employed using a structured questionnaire distributed to 33 Small (K) and Medium (M) grade construction supervision consultancy firms. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression with IBM-SPSS Statistics. The findings indicate that all variables are perceived as highly important, with supervising consultant competence ranked highest. However, regression results reveal that only communication management has a significant positive effect on communication effectiveness (β = 0.465, p < 0.05). Correlation analysis further shows that communication management, communication methods, and information flow are significantly associated with communication effectiveness, while other variables are not statistically significant. These results suggest that managerial and relational aspects, such as teamwork, openness, and shared understanding, play a more critical role than technical competence or structural coordination. The study concludes that effective communication in construction projects is primarily driven by how communication processes are managed rather than by individual or structural factors alone. Therefore, strengthening communication management practices is essential for improving coordination, reducing misunderstandings, and achieving successful project outcomes.
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