fostering high-quality relationships in inter-organizational projects: a case study of relational coordination in the Norwegian construction industry
Abstract
In response to the lack of research on coordination and collaboration within
temporary inter-organizational projects, and the call to advance research on
relational coordination, this thesis aims to explore how a collaborative interaction
phase can foster high-quality relationships within inter-organizational projects.
The research question is explored through an embedded single case study of an
infrastructure project within the Norwegian construction industry. Findings
demonstrate that the collaborative interaction phase function as an organizational
structure that helps bridge differences between partnering organizations and
support the development of high-quality relationships. The authors find that these
relationships have been fostered by a well-executed collaborative interaction
phase; in particular the combination of joint- and discipline sessions as well as the
establishment of communication routines. Through relational coordination, project
members have managed to maintain the good intentions that were developed
during the collaborative interaction phase. Trust and leadership is identified as
enabling factors for developing relational coordination within the project. In sum,
this thesis provides insight into what ways a collaborative interaction phase
contributes to the development of high-quality relationships, and how this can
positively affect the collaboration and coordination of interdependent work in
inter-organizational projects. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Description
Masteroppgave(MSc) in Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Psychology - Handelshøyskolen BI, 2017