CBPM Conference 2026 · Vol. 2026, Issue 1

Emotional Intelligence as a Catalyst for Resilient and Sustainable Construction Project Management in South Africa

Nishani Harinarain

Keywords: construction, emotional intelligence, project managers, resilience, sustainable construction

Abstract

The South African construction industry faces a dual challenge: the urgent need for sustainable built environments and the persistent complexity of socio-economic project volatility. While technical proficiency is welldocumented, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding the specific behavioural drivers, such as Emotional Intelligence (EI), that enable Construction Project Managers (CPMs) to navigate these unique regional pressures. This study aims to evaluate the level of EI among CPMs and determine its role as a precursor to resilient project delivery. Specifically, the research objectives were to quantify current EI competencies and identify how these attributes underpin collaborative, sustainable outcomes. Guided by a positivist paradigm, the study employed a quantitative design using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire. A purposive sampling strategy targeted CPMs within the Durban metropolitan area. Of the 35 questionnaires distributed, 21 valid responses were received (60% response rate). Data were analysed using SPSS version 30 through descriptive statistical techniques. Findings suggest EI acts as a catalyst, providing the emotional infrastructure necessary to support the technical infrastructure. However, the study acknowledges the small sample size as a primary limitation; while the results provide a valuable localised snapshot, the findings lack broad generalisability. Consequently, the analysis and conclusions are presented as an exploratory foundation for larger-scale regional studies. The study concludes that integrating EI development into professional curricula and organisational strategy is essential for achieving the aim of a more resilient industry. By bridging the gap between "soft" leadership skills and "hard" sustainable outcomes, this research advances our understanding of the human-centric drivers necessary for the evolution of the South African built environment.