Analysing the stakeholder networks in collaborative project using network theory: Implications for coordination and control

Abstract

Abstract

Our article aims to investigate network relationships from the perspective of a network of stakeholders involved in a complex and dynamic environment. We adopt the social network analysis approach to explore the structural characteristics of different types of networks and their implications in terms of the coordination and control of project stakeholders. A large hospital construction project in northern Finland was analysed in terms of structural characteristics, associated complexities, and the dynamics of different types (contractual, supply, information) of network relationships. We adopted the mixed methods approach by complementing quantitative research with qualitative research methods. Our findings show how different types of networks in projects influence the coordination and control of project stakeholders. Project management needs to intentionally consider managerial actions along the networks in question. Our study relates different theoretical perspectives to the networks of project stakeholders and their relationships, which constitute our main contribution.