A triadic competency requirement model for successful win-win optimization in public-private partnerships : a structural equation modelling

Abstract

Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives are often promoted as a mechanism for achieving win-win outcomes. However, recent studies highlight the realisation as a hurdle due to gaps in public and private sector competencies. PPP studies have typically focused on specific competency areas and have typically overlooked assessing the interrelationships among various competency dimensions, although these interconnections reflect how competencies function in real-world projects. Therefore, this study sets the pace in the development and modelling of a holistic competency requirement model for the public and private sectors in PPP schemes. A comprehensive literature review coupled with expert validation through piloting identified and categorised the competencies while Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was adopted in model development. Findings indicated that public and private sector competencies for win-win optimisation should capture functional requirements, which are PPP scheme and type dependent, organisational requirements which highlight the institutional build of the project parties and relational/behavioural competency requirements that capture the traits and alliancing attributes. The study recommends the strategic alignment of public and private sector roles, skills, and capabilities before initiating infrastructure development to cultivate an environment conducive to achieving win-win outcomes in PPPs. This study challenges the conventional isolated approaches to PPP competencies with an integrated approach that deepens the understanding of successful infrastructure development in PPP.