The Influence of contractor relationships on total quality management practices in the construction industry in Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of contractor relationships on total quality management practices in context of the Kenyan construction industry. The study was guided by five specific objectives: to establish total quality management practices among contractors in the Kenyan construction industry; to analyze influence of contractor-client relationship on total quality management practices among contractors in the Kenyan construction industry; to analyze influence of contractor-subcontractor relationship on total quality management practices among contractors in the Kenyan construction industry; to analyze influence of contractor-supplier relationship on total quality management practices among contractors in the Kenyan construction industry; to examine barriers to total quality management practices among contractors in the Kenyan construction industry. The study was premised on Juran’s, Deming’s and Six Sigma theories on total quality management. This study applied a cross-sectional research design. The target population for the study is 5,777 contractors as registered by the National Construction Association (NCA) in Nairobi County. The sample size was established at 197 contractors. The study adopted stratified random sampling procedure. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Data analysis techniques used were central tendency (mean, standard deviations, percentages), correlation and regression analysis using SPSS Version 22. The data was presented in tables and charts and researcher’s interpretation. The findings showed that contractor-client relationships had the most significant effect on TQM practices, customer focus and management was the most practiced TQM principle and procedural barriers are a hindrance to TQM practices in the construction industry in Nairobi County. The study concludes that contractor relationships have a positive effect on TQM practices in the Kenyan construction industry. The study recommends that customer focus and management should be the focus of contractors in practicing total quality management in their work. Through collaborating and cooperating with the client during the construction process means that contractors can be able to meet the client quality requirements thus achieving total quality management.