Early Stakeholder Engagement in Engineering Projects: Benefits and Insights for Private Oil Companies in Libya

Abstract

Engineering projects in Libya’s oil and gas sector play a vital role in national development but are frequently impacted by delays, budget overruns, and stakeholder conflicts, often exacerbated by socio-political instability. This study examines the strategic role of early stakeholder engagement in mitigating these challenges and enhancing project performance, particularly within the private oil sector. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and semi-structured interviews with 30 industry professionals, the research provides empirical insights into the effectiveness of early engagement in volatile environments. Findings reveal that proactive stakeholder involvement improves planning accuracy, fosters alignment, and contributes to long-term project sustainability. A key contribution of this study is the proposal of a localized stakeholder engagement framework specifically tailored to Libya’s unique operational context. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for private oil companies to strengthen stakeholder management practices, improve resilience, and enhance outcomes under complex socio-political conditions.