Enhancing communication in multicultural construction teams – a systematic review of the challenges and solutions of effective communication in construction projects

Purpose Construction projects typically involve multicultural team members, driving economic growth in emerging and developed nations. Despite numerous studies aimed at enhancing communication efficacy in multicultural teams, there is currently a lack of comprehensive studies to identify standard criteria and rules for effective communication within such teams in construction projects. This study aims to analyse the communication challenges faced by multicultural teams in the construction industry, the impact of cultural diversity on the effectiveness of intra-team communication and common solutions used to enhance team communication efficiency, as well as establish guidelines promoting effective communication in multicultural settings. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify recurring patterns in communication challenges and their solutions across diverse teams. Findings After analysing 27 articles discussing challenges in effective communication within the construction industry and their corresponding solutions, three main challenges alongside 24 subfactors impeding effective communication in construction projects are revealed. Crucially, the following four steps can enhance the effectiveness of multicultural team communication: identifying stakeholders, establishing a communication plan, clarifying information distribution methods and managing stakeholders’ expectations. Originality/value This study goes beyond merely identifying the common communication challenges multicultural teams face in construction projects. It systematically thematises these barriers and links them with solutions, providing a comprehensive schema for managing communication challenges in multicultural settings. Unlike previous studies that offer fragmented insights, this research presents an integrated approach, highlighting new interdependencies between factors and offering actionable guidelines that have not been previously discussed in the literature.