A network theory-based analysis of stakeholder issues and their interrelationships in large construction projects: a case study

Large construction projects are characterized by numerous stakeholders and conflicting interests involved. Previous stakeholder management studies placed great emphasis on stakeholder identification and analysis based on individual stakeholder attributes, which are confined in completeness without taking into account stakeholder-related issues and their interrelationships. In real situations, a project environment is a network of interconnected stakeholder issues, where stakeholder perception and salience are affected by the propagating influences of these issue interactions. This paper conducts a network theory-based analysis to investigate the underlying network of stakeholder issues in large construction projects, as well as to identify key issues and relationships impacting project execution. Network analysis procedures are illustrated through a case study of a large building project. Recommendations and lessons learnt are drawn for future large public construction projects. This paper provides a network perspective to analyse stakeholder issues and interrelationships, eventually increasing the overall accuracy and effectiveness of project stakeholder management.