Modelling client and construction firm barriers hindering social client relationship management system implementation in the built environment

Abstract

The need to foster a strong relationship in the construction industry is vital due to the level of dependency among stakeholders in the sector. The social CRM system has been deployed as a relationship tool in most sectors, but its infusion in the construction industry is not resounding. Hence, the study investigates the barriers to Social Client Relationship Management application in fostering sustainable relationships among construction stakeholders. It models the relationships between the associated barriers between the client and the construction organisations affecting the implementation of social CRM systems. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted on 200 construction experts selected from 40 construction projects in Lagos Island. The targeted construction experts were elicited for the survey using purposive sampling techniques. Data from the survey were analysed using SPSS 21 data analytics techniques like frequencies and percentages. Also, the study used SmartPLS (v.3.2.3) to develop the structural model. Findings from the study revealed a strong relationship between the significant factors associated with the clients and construction organisation hindering Social CRM system implementation in the built environment. The findings can assist built environment stakeholders in developing strategies to control the factors associated with the client and construction organisation militating against Social CRM implementation in the construction industry.