Investigating the role of the language action perspective in improving communication and collaboration in lean construction teams

Klous, JD, 2025. Investigating the role of the language action perspective in improving communication and collaboration in lean construction teams. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

Integrating the Language Action Perspective (LAP) with Lean Construction methodologies can significantly improve communication, collaboration, trust, and overall moods in construction project teams. Rooted in the idea that language creates new realities and actions rather than merely a means of information exchange, the LAP emphasises the use of speech acts as a mechanism for building trust, making and securing reliable promises, and aligning teams. By adopting a qualitative research design of action case study research, this study examines how a training intervention with construction teams on the LAP principles can impact communication dynamics, trust levels, and the reliability of promises. Two action case studies form the basis of the research, where focus group workshops introduced the LAP concepts, including speech acts, conditions of satisfaction (CoS), trust, listening, and moods. Pre- and post-workshop surveys, interviews, and direct observations were analysed using content analysis and mean scores of survey responses to evaluate changes in team behaviour and overall project communication.

The findings demonstrate that engaging construction project teams on the use of LAP through focus group workshops significantly enhanced communication clarity, fostered a culture of trust, and improved the reliability of team commitments. When used within lean construction projects, the LAP can facilitate more efficient workflows, collaborative team environments, and a greater level of trust. By shifting focus from managing activities to managing outcomes through reliable promises, the LAP is a critical foundation for improving lean project delivery. The originality of this study lies in bridging two previously disconnected domains—lean construction and the Language Action Perspective—thereby offering both a new theoretical lens and a practical framework for addressing long-standing communication challenges. This dual contribution extends lean construction theory by embedding language as a performative act at its core, and advances LAP scholarship by demonstrating its application in a new sectoral context. In doing so, the research not only provides empirical evidence of impact but also establishes a novel interdisciplinary foundation for enhancing collaboration and creating high-performing project teams

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Klous, J.D.
Contributors:	Name Role NTU ID ORCID Manu, E. Thesis supervisor CON3MANUE https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9002-3681 Arab, M.Z. Thesis supervisor UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Asnaashari, E. Thesis supervisor CON3ASNAAE https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5552-9428
Date:	September 2025
Rights:	The author holds the copyright to this work. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	06 Jan 2026 09:14
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2026 09:14
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54921

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