Effective TMO project workgroups: an investigation of antecedent conditions

In seeking to explain the antecedents of cross-functional TMO workgroup cooperation, Anvuur and Kumaraswamy (2007) [Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 133(3), 225-34] proposed a conceptual framework which emphasizes the formative role of four factors: common goals; equal status; integrative interactions; and authority support. This study tests this framework empirically, based on responses from a Hong Kong survey of built environment professional managers and using structural equation modelling. The findings support the role of the four factors, showing that a superordinate construct—teamwork climate for cooperation—formed from the four factors significantly and positively influences workgroup members’ in-role, extra-role, compliance, and deference behaviour. Therefore, project managers may usefully strive to create the generative project environments for the four optimal conditions for teamwork.