Improving project outcomes through effective communication: A quantitative study of causes and solutions in Kuwait’s construction industry

Clear and effective communication plays a vital role in the success of construction projects, yet in Kuwait’s construction industry, miscommunication remains a major challenge that often leads to project delays, cost overruns, and strained stakeholder relationships. This study aims to explore the key causes behind communication breakdowns in Kuwait’s construction sector and identify practical, locally relevant solutions to improve stakeholder communication. The survey instrument was developed based on a comprehensive literature review that identified 20 common causes and 10 potential solutions. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 245 professionals representing clients, consultants, and contractors. The collected data were analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII) and correlation analysis to prioritize the issues and examine their interrelationships. The results showed that weak organizational structures, delayed information flow, lack of a formal communication plan, and limited project management experience are among the most critical challenges, while factors such as gender differences and physical site disturbances were seen as less significant. The study contributes by providing a structured prioritization of communication related challenges within Kuwait’s construction environment. Moreover, it highlights the importance of implementing well-defined communication plans and fostering trust among team members as key steps toward improving communication across project stakeholders. Overall, the study provides a stakeholder-specific prioritization of communication challenges and solutions in Kuwait’s construction sector, offering a framework that can be applied to similar regional construction environments.