Kommunikationsmodell mellan platschef och arbetsledare : För att hantera hinder inom interpersonell kommunikation

Sammanfattning: Purpose: The purpose of this report is to analyze how the communication between a site manager and a supervisor in the construction industry can be developed. Communication is a strong influencing factor for the success of a construction project and an effective communication process results in an increased productivity and decreased failure rates, which saves both time and money. Method: Since this report deals with complex interpersonal conjunctions, a qualitative approach was selected. Individual interviews and observations constitutes the empirical data. Participant observations was implemented to verify that the information collected from the interviews aligned with reality and to strengthen the credibility. A combination of the theoretical framework and collected empirical data resulted in a communication model. Findings: Interpersonal communication is affected by personal characteristics such as prior knowledge and experiences, hindrances that complicates the communication and tools that can be used to bridging communication barriers between the parties. Stress, time pressure, misunderstandings and personality clashes are factors that hinder an effective communication. Tools to use are check questions, reformulation, clear dividing of responsibilities, education, clear directives from the company directorate and to see the coworker as an active communicator instead of a passive receiver. Where the latter is achieved by creating dialogue which creates a feeling of participation and commitment of the employee. The communication between the site manager and the supervisor should be verbal and supported by writing where the writing should be through e-mail since it simplifies the possibility to look back at previous information. Implications: Communication problems between site manager and supervisor depends largely on the fact that the daily working situation on a construction site is stressful, the absence of time for structured communication combined with the majority of the communication between the parties being oral contributes to an ineffective communication process. By working according to the developed model the communication between the site manager and the supervisor can evolve. Suggestions for further research is to examine how the communication model can be implemented in the work at a construction site and what results would derive of it. Limitations: The study is limited to the fact that all interviews were conducted with representatives from the construction section at NCC Jönköping. The level of communication studied is interpersonal communication. The study is generally adaptable to other companies and industries. Keywords: Communication, hindrances, site manager, supervisor