Assessing the impact of communication skills on facility management project success in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose Facility management (FM) often oversees diverse infrastructure and maintenance initiatives that require structured project management (PM) approaches to ensure successful delivery in Africa. However, the overlap between FM and PM roles is frequently misunderstood in Ghana, where FM departments lead critical capital projects. This study addresses the blurred boundary between FM and PM by explicitly focusing on projects implemented under FM functions, with emphasis on how communication skills influence project success. It aims to assess the effectiveness of communication in enhancing FM project outcomes within the Greater Accra Region. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 facility and project management professionals. Structured questionnaires were administered, and data were analysed using SPSS v26. Analytical techniques included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings Findings show that effective communication enhances project decision-making (M = 4.40), documentation (M = 4.35) and team collaboration (M = 4.30). Communication practices explained 61.1% of the variance in project performance, while communication strategies accounted for 64.2%. Key predictors included clear communication structures (B = 0.245), open communication (B = 0.203) and regular meetings (B = 0.192). Barriers such as lack of transparency (r = −0.394) and unclear communication channels (r = −0.387) negatively impacted project outcomes. Originality/value This pioneering study contributes insights from Ghana, clarifies the FM–PM relationship and underscores the global trends on communication as a factor in the delivery of FM-led projects across Africa.