IMPACT OF STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SUCCESS IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
Stakeholder management is an important aspect of construction project delivery because construction projects involve diverse individuals and organizations whose interests and decisions can influence project outcomes. In Bauchi State, inadequate coordination and management of stakeholders may contribute to difficulties in achieving desired project outcomes. This study therefore assessed the impact of stakeholder management on construction project success in Bauchi State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and obtained data from construction professionals practicing within Bauchi Metropolis. The sampling frame comprised 442 registered Builders and Quantity Surveyors, from which a sample size of 205 respondents was determined. Structured questionnaires were administered using random sampling, and 176 valid responses were obtained for analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings showed that stakeholder management practices were implemented at a moderate level, with an overall mean of 3.13. Stakeholder Monitoring and Evaluation recorded the highest mean (3.32), while Stakeholder Identification and Analysis recorded the lowest (2.97). Project success was also rated at a moderate level, with an overall mean of 3.24. External Customer Satisfaction was the highest-rated success indicator (3.43), whereas completion within the budgeted cost recorded the lowest mean (3.03). Pearson correlation revealed a significant positive relationship between stakeholder management and project success (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). Multiple regression further showed that stakeholder management factors explained 47% of the variance in project success (R² = 0.47, F = 37.893, p < 0.001), with Monitoring and Evaluation being the strongest predictor. The study recommends formalizing continuous stakeholder monitoring and evaluation, integrating stakeholder identification with management planning, and strengthening stakeholder-management competencies among construction professionals.