Relational Capital in Construction: Assessing Cultural Diversity, Social Networks, and the Performance of Small-to-Medium Construction Firms
Relational Capital in Construction: Assessing Cultural Diversity, Social Networks, and the Performance of Small-to-Medium Construction Firms investigates how relationship-based assets shape outcomes in the construction sector. Drawing on a relational-capital lens, the study examines the ways cultural diversity, interpersonal and inter-organizational networks, and trust-based exchanges influence the performance, innovation capacity, and resilience of small-to-medium construction firms. Using empirical evidence from construction SMEs, it demonstrates that well-developed relational capital can mitigate contextual constraints, enhance access to information and opportunities, and support more collaborative project delivery. The paper develops a multidimensional framework that links cultural diversity management, network structures, and relational quality to key performance indicators, highlighting implications for leadership, human resource practices, and sector-focused policy.