Productive stakeholder collaboration in complex interorganizational projects

Inter-organizational collaboration is the key to success in complex project deliveries. Technologically complex projects demand the capabilities and knowledge of multiple stakeholders, forming inter-organizational project organizations. These stakeholders must work together collaboratively toward a shared direction to satisfy the project’s requirements and meet its objectives. Inter-organizational collaboration, however, remains a challenging process. The number of involved stakeholders, their interdependencies, and their variability make productive collaboration a difficult task that requires distinct managerial methods and practices. Moreover, the increasing tendency toward remote and virtual participation in knowledge-based project work further challenges the collaboration paradigm, which is based on mutual trust and regular interaction. Therefore, this study aims to describe what productive stakeholder collaboration is and how it is productively achieved in complex multistakeholder projects.

This research is based on a qualitative approach and case study research strategies. The data collection methods include participatory data collection, project deliverables, documentation, and rounds of semi-structured interviews. The findings of this study suggest that collaboration is indeed a critical project success factor, but only when it is productive and effectively supports the project and its objectives. Productive collaboration requires a holistic approach that conjoins project tools and methods and embraces virtual involvement when feasible. The findings also emphasize the importance of forming a collaborative capability in the early stages of the project to unify the entire project organization toward a shared direction. This thesis presents a framework for the formation of collaborative capabilities and the alignment of technological tools and organizational methods with the project’s objectives and the people executing the project.