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• Muller, R. and J. R. Turner (2005). "The impact of principal-agent relationship and contract type on communication between project owner and manager." International Journal of Project Management 23(5): 398.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2005.03.001
Communication structures between project owners and project managers are influenced by the principal-agent relationship between the parties and the contract type chosen. Empirical research results on project owner-manager communication practices are mapped against the contractual communication requirements in projects. This identifies possible risk factors for projects, based on a conflict between 'best' communication for a project and suggested communication through the chosen contract type. The paper provides recommendations for risk-minimizing owner-manager communication, as well as contributions to project theory by showing the differences of principal-agent theory and transaction costs economics in minimizing costs for governing projects. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]