The mechanism behind informational fairness and project performance relationship: evidence from Pakistani construction organizations

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between employees' perceptions of informational fairness and project performance. Furthermore, it examines if this relationship is sequentially mediated by (1) knowledge sharing and role clarity and (2) communication openness and role clarity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 302 full-time employees of seven project-based construction organizations in Pakistan. Data are analyzed through variance-based structural equation modeling technique and the Preacher and Hayes' bootstrapping procedure.

Findings

Results indicate that project employees' perceptions of informational fairness positively predict project performance. Moreover, this relationship is sequentially mediated by (1) communication openness and role clarity and (2) knowledge sharing and role clarity.

Originality/value

This study provides further insights on the informational fairness and project performance relationship by examining their underlying mechanisms. It draws on the much ignored context of Pakistan, and offers some implications for managers and researchers with regard to how behavioral factors may further enhance project performance.

Citation

Khattak, S.M., Iqbal, M.Z., Ikramullah, M. and Raziq, M.M. (2021), "The mechanism behind informational fairness and project performance relationship: evidence from Pakistani construction organizations", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 70 No. 1, pp. 151-178. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-04-2019-0164