Exploring the influence of consultant selection process on consultant performance in the construction industry: a critical review

The selection of consultant organizations in the construction industry is one of the primary determinants of consultant performance, which in turn underpins the success of construction projects. However, the poor performance of consultants remains a common issue, and there is a dearth of research addressing the factors influencing consultant selection. Consequently, there arises a need to assess the impact of the consultant selection process on their subsequent performance. This study aims to explore the selection factors of construction consultants that influence consultant performance, employing a thorough literature review. Three consultant selection approaches and 144 selection criteria have been examined in this study. The selection criteria have been determined in prior studies through their influence on performance outcomes, including quality, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to project timelines. Importantly, the study broadened the scope to review external factors such as project conditions and client attributes, which influence consultant performance. Findings underscore the interplay between cost and qualifications, enhancing the efficacy of a mixed selection method due to the increase in competition, project diversity, and technological advancements. Furthermore, the selection criteria have been analyzed in this study and classified into eleven distinct groups, clustered into three dimensions: past performance criteria, capabilities criteria, and project-related criteria. The study concluded with the need for future research focused on improving the consultant selection process. This improvement should take into account external factors as integral components of the selection criteria, offering the potential to enhance consultant performance and, consequently, improve the outcomes of construction projects.