Authority Structures for Construction Project Management
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 109, Issue 4
Abstract
Many practitioners believe that how one organizes to support a major construction project will have a significant impact on the successful completion of the project. This paper provides a primer on authority structures. The basic corporate organizational forms are described and construction examples are given. The basic authority structures for project management are also described. These forms are the functional, pure project, and matrix. For each form, the advantages and disadvantages as they relate to the project manager's ability to support the project are cited. Nine factors that influence the choice of authority structure are discussed. The role of the project manager is described. His effectiveness as a manager is related to the organizational form, hierarchy within the organization, authority gap, management style, and the ability to resolve conflict. Six principles for developing a project organization and selecting a project manager are given.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 109 • Issue 4 • December 1983
Pages: 406 - 422
Copyright
Copyright © 1983 ASCE.
History
Published online: Dec 1, 1983
Published in print: Dec 1983
Authors
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