What are they key communication challenges for aspiring project managers when compared to experienced managers?

Abstract

This thesis examines the key communication challenges faced by aspiring project managers compared to experienced managers. The objective is to understand how experience influences communication practices and whether it reduces common communication challenges in project management. A qualitative research approach was adopted, utilizing face to face interviews with professionals at different career stages. The findings reveal that experience significantly shapes communication strategies but does not eliminate challenges. Communication in project management consists of technological, linguistic, interpersonal and organizational dimensions. Aspiring project managers tend to be more reactive, relying on informal communication while developing leadership skills on the job. In contrast, experienced managers demonstrate stronger emotional intelligence, leadership capabilities and a deeper understanding of team dynamics and communication levels. Nevertheless, challenges persist across all experience levels, emphasizing that professionalism is not about avoiding communication challenges but about navigating them effectively. The study recommends narrowing the research scope to a specific industry or organization and improving interview design to focus more directly on the core research question. These refinements would enhance the depth and applicability of future research.