International Journal of Information Systems and Project Management
Abstract
Variations among human aspects of governance and management, and the structure of project-based organizations (PBO) may synergize or contrast with each other, eventually impacting project performance (PP). To investigate these variations, the study develops a conceptual model using neoliberal governmentality (NG), transformational (TFL), and transactional leadership styles (TSL) of project managers, centralization of governance structures (CEN) with PP. The data for the study was collected from PBOs in the construction sector. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to assess the results. Later, the conceptual model was validated using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Approach. The results revealed that TFL positively mediates the relationship between NG and PP in PBOs characterized by decentralized governance structures (Low CEN). TSL shows competitive partial mediation with NG and hence appears to be the least important predictor of PP in the studied context. Using contingency theory, the study extends the Sociological Perspective of Governance (SPG) to develop a cohesive model for understanding the variations of humans and structures for PP. Project owners, governors, and practitioners should hire synergetic project managers and provide them with training and communication opportunities during project. NG requires decentralized decision-making to empower a TFL for better PP.
Recommended Citation
Malik, Muhammad Yousaf; Wang, Linzhuo; Zhu, Fangwei; and Latif, Muhammad Salman
(2026)
"One man’s meat is another man’s poison: Assessing the role of variations in project managers’ leadership and structures on the relationship between neoliberal governmentality and project performance,"
International Journal of Information Systems and Project Management: Vol. 14:
No.
4, Article 5.
Available at:
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ijispm/vol14/iss4/5