PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND THE HUMAN

ELEMENT
By
Ahsan Iqbal Shah
Ameer Ahmed
that include social as well as technological aspects (Blackburn,
Abstract—As engineers we are expected to be as logical and
2002).
practical as possible. This expectation some times take on the
A leadership style that has been found to enhance the human
form of a paranoia where we start beliving that such things as
resource skills of interpersonal relationship, motivation,
feelings and relationships are not for us. And the worst occurs
decision making, and emotional maturity, required to mobilize
when such paranoids are appointed as project managersThe
project team members is participative leadership (Kezar, 2001;
importance of human consideration in planning phase
Schmid & Adams, 2008). Hauschildt et al. (2000) concluded
increases many folds in a country like Pakistan due to its
that a project’s technical components make up only 50% of the
strong cultural and family bondings. The aim of this paper is
challenge of executing and completing a project. Other 50% of
not to under mine the importance of effectively managing the
the challenge involved the organizational and human aspects of
constraints of time, costs, and performance but to highlight the
leadership and team building/collaboration, with the majority of
importance of human relationship for project manager and
the human element being ascribed to leadership qualities of a
projects.
project manager. Neuhauser (2007) asserted that project
Introduction
managers have a dual responsibility when managing a project:
In todays fasr track, result orinted business environment
(a) managing the technical components of the project (plans,
it is believed that a manager makes sure tasks and duties are
schedules, budgets, statistical analysis, monitoring, and control
completed, while a leader is sensitive to the needs of people
involved in the various knowledge areas and processes), and
and what followers need to be exceptional employees
(b)managing the people in such a way to motivate the team to
(Maccoby, 2000). Thite (2000) has more elaboratly suggested
successfully complete the project goals.
that project managers can integrate human element by being
The emphasis placed on leadership and human relations
sensitive to and working with project team members. as
contributed to increased efficiency in addressing the problems
individuals with needs and desires. related to their work and
encountered in the project process (Johnson, 1999).
careers.
In project management the researchers have sought to
highlight the importance of project leadership as a key aspect of
REFERENCES
project successes. (Kezsbom, 1998; Thoms & Pinto, 1999; [1] www.regent.edu/acad/global/publications/sl.../2006/waddell.pdf
[2] www.requirementsnetwork.com/node/1603
Hauschildt, Gesche, & Medcof, 2000; Cheng & Moore, [3] http://www.isixsigma.com/index.php?
2005;Turner & Muller, 2005; Berg & Karlsen, 2007; Dainty, option=com_k2&view=item&id=115

Gehring, 2007; Hyvari, 2006; Kodjababian &Petty, 2007;

Neuhauser, 2007; Schmid & Adams, 2008;). The role of project

manager combines human and technological resources in a

dynamic, temporary organization structured to deliver results