SOCIAL SKILLS AND COHESION OF CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAMS IN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the role of social skills in driving cohesion of cross functional teams in construction firms. Prior studies have specifically examined the nexus between leadership, emotional intelligence and team cohesion; however, communication skills and conflict management skills as facets of social competencies and team cohesion remain unexplored. Accordingly, this study focuses on the connection between communication and conflict management competencies and team cohesion in construction firms. A cross sectional survey design was employed and a structured questionnaire was the means of data collection from a sample of 395, which was selected through stratified sampling procedure from a population 150 construction firms and 24 cross functional teams.  Data were analysed through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (SEM PLS). The study found that there was a positive and significant relationship between communication skills and task cohesion within members; there was a positive significant relationship between conflict management skills and task cohesion among team members; there was a significant positive relationship between conflict management skills and social cohesion in cross functional teams, and social cohesion mediated the relationship between communication skills and task cohesion , and  social cohesion mediated the relationship between conflict management skills and task cohesion within cross functional teams. Aside, we advanced theory building, managerial and practical implications for the study.