The number and variety of participants involved in a construction project varies between the different projects. Collaboration between participants, and information sharing, is crucial for the successful outcome of a construction project. Accurate, effective and timely communication and information sharing are important for decision-making and co-ordination of activities and contribute to the success of the construction project. New communication channels are created for every project with verbal and written communication the traditional communication method used during construction projects. Communication technologies used on construction projects include phones, faxes and emails.

In contrast, collaboration technologies allow participants to interact directly with the same information, whether it is synchronous or asynchronous. Mobile technologies makes is possible for data collection and information interrogation to happen on the actual building site.

This poster presents research results of communication and collaboration practises in use during general construction projects in the Western Cape, South Africa. Data were collected through structured interviews and then analysed. It displays a framework for collaboration that includes elements such as the participants, technology, cultural and strategic considerations that must be considered for successful implementation of collaborative technologies in an industry that it known for lagging in the use of collaboration technologies.