Abstract
Effective stakeholder management is essential in achieving stakeholder satisfaction and
project success targets. This paper investigates critical barriers to stakeholder
management in the construction industry of developing countries as part of a larger
study aimed at developing a “Sustainable stakeholder management framework for
construction projects in developing countries”. The present paper aim is necessary since
construction projects have numerous stakeholders and involves several activities hence
stakeholder management is vital for an enhanced project delivery. A literature review of
selected articles on stakeholder management was validated using interviews of 6 project
key stakeholders. The study confirmed five additional critical barriers relating to (1)
project managers knowledge in stakeholder management (2) public procurement
approach, (3) politicization of projects (4) project delays and (5) poor project planning
and development. These findings may not be generalized due to limited research
participants involved. Nonetheless, it serves as a useful basis for the larger dissertation
and contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying critical barriers affecting
stakeholder management in the developing nations’ construction industry for improved
construction projects delivery. Considering and managing these critical barriers will
ensure the achievement of project goals, stakeholder needs and satisfaction.