Focus group study to explore critical factors of public engagement process for mega development projects

Abstract

Due to the dynamic nature of construction projects, multiple stakeholders with various expectations are often involved. To achieve consensus among different stakeholders, public engagement (PE) is increasingly adopted for mega development projects. However, it is really difficult to satisfy various stakeholder needs if PE is inappropriately conducted. PE has been criticized for its illogical and unsystematic processes underlying decisions. Hence, the current study aimed to explore and identify critical factors of the PE process in order to improve final performance. To achieve this aim, four focus groups were held involving different types of stakeholders (e.g., governmental departments, construction professionals, interest groups, and local residents). PE process factors, addressed in the focus groups, fell into two main categories: logical decision-making process and team behaviors, with the latter divided into task and personal dimensions. The results of the current study were used as the first stage of a comprehensive study aimed at improving PE performance. Several practical recommendations for facilitating the PE process were also pointed out in the group discussion, such as the application of logical and systematic decision-making processes, the establishment of effective evaluation methods and frameworks for evaluation criteria, and the usage of transparent and equal discussion rules.