"Developing A Framework to Enhance Soft Skill Competency of Construction Managers for Successful Project Delivery"

Abstract

This study examined the critical role of soft skills among construction managers in the Philippines, addressing the systemic gap between perceived organizational importance and actual field proficiency. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design anchored on the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model, the study analyzed empirical data collected via purposive sampling from 38 highly specialized industry practitioners across six core competencies: communication, leadership, conflict resolution, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. While a sample of 38 respondents may appear modest, it represents a highly concentrated cohort of senior project managers, executives, and directors within the local sector. Given the qualitative scarcity of top-tier construction management professionals in the Philippine market, this specialized sample size is statistically sufficient and contextually robust, ensuring high-fidelity, expert-driven insights free from the noise of entry-level data. Descriptive statistics indicated that while professionals evaluated all competencies as extremely important (M = 4.63), actual on-site proficiency reached only a fair baseline (M = 3.30). Inferential analysis using a One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed a distinct experience paradox: although 60% of respondents possessed over 11 years of field tenure, the widest competency gaps emerged in communication (0.63), conflict resolution (0.61), and emotional intelligence (0.58). This behavioral gap significantly widened among veteran cohorts, proving that technical tenure does not automatically yield interpersonal mastery. To bridge these shortfalls, the study developed the Soft Skill Competency Enhancement Framework (SSCEF), a four-quarter strategic roadmap featuring baseline assessments, experiential workshops, and structured peer mentorship. Ultimately, this research provides an actionable strategy to institutionalize behavioral key performance indicators into formal engineering management evaluation systems.