Delay in payment effects on productivity of small and medium construction companies in Oman: exploration and ranking

Maintaining a stable productivity rate in a construction project is a challenge. Many external and internal factors influence it. Delay in payment is one of the factors representing the project cash flow and mirrors the company’s financial stability status. This study explores the delay in payments effects on the construction productivity of the small and medium construction companies in Oman. Also, it ranks the delay in payment among other productivity factors. Sixty-five small and medium construction companies registered in Oman Tender Board participated in the questionnaire survey. The results showed that delay in payment significantly affects the financial stability of the companies. The delay in payment was ranked third out of 21 influencing productivity factors. The results were compared with a previous study that covered large construction companies in Oman. It was found that the rank of delay in payment in the small and medium construction is significantly higher than what was found in large companies.