Relationship and knowledge management among construction development project members in Thailand: the clients' perspective

The unsatisfactory performance of the construction industry in Thailand is influenced by the fragmented structure and the inefficient multi-stage project development process. Good relationships, the creation of new knowledge and effective knowledge management is crucial particularly at the development appraisal to achieve improved and sustainable performance in the construction industry. This study is an investigation of the relationships among team members and knowledge management practice in Thailand's construction industry. Semi-structured interviews conducted in the field research with a selection of large client organisations revealed that significant close or network relationship exists between clients and key project team members. However, knowledge management practices were heavily influenced by team members' self-centred nature. There is therefore a need to adopt knowledge management practices to improve project performance at the development appraisal stage as this could have significant knock on effects on subsequent stages. Failure to address relationship and knowledge issues could affect the uptake and sale of development projects.