Authors: Adebiyi Adeniyi Mayowa

Abstract: Improving project success in building construction remains a major concern in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, due to persistent challenges such as delays, cost overruns, weak coordination, and poor project delivery outcomes. This study examined strategies that could be applied to improve the level of project success by enhancing the effectiveness of leadership behaviour of project managers on building construction projects in FCT, Abuja. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to construction professionals including architects, quantity surveyors, builders, facility managers, and estate surveyors. From a sampling frame of 523 professionals, a sample size of 227 was derived using Yamane’s formula, while 185 valid responses were retrieved and analyzed using mean score ranking, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett’s tests, and factor analysis.The findings showed that clearly defined project mission (Mean = 4.5421), proper project schedule and plan (Mean = 4.5157), and top management support (Mean = 4.3750) were the most significant strategies for improving project success. Other important strategies included effective communication (Mean = 3.9813), monitoring and feedback (Mean = 3.8637), and assigning technical tasks to competent hands (Mean = 3.8419). The average total mean score of 3.7323 confirmed that the identified strategies were generally effective. Further analysis revealed that these strategies clustered around leadership dimensions such as planning, communication, team coordination, stakeholder engagement, competence, and decision making. The study concludes that project success in building construction projects in FCT, Abuja can be significantly enhanced when project managers adopt effective leadership behaviour strategies supported by strong organizational structures and stakeholder collaboration. It is recommended that construction firms should strengthen leadership development through training, clear project planning, improved communication systems, competent supervision, and continuous monitoring of project activities. These measures will improve project delivery and overall construction performance in the study area.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20324569