Interorganizational collaboration: Transformation strategies to reduce construction disputes in the construction industry

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study, using a Delphi pilot and survey design was to investigate causes of construction project disputes, discover interorganizational processes and transformation strategies that could be implemented to decrease construction project disputes. The justification for conducting the study was that there are few current efforts on the part of construction industry stakeholders to solve the dispute problem affecting all stakeholders. The results of the research, shed light on the perspectives and experience of one construction project stakeholder group—engineers. The major findings of this study conducted with construction industry engineers are: (1) the most frequent and most damaging problems occurring in construction projects are caused by deficits in basic management functions; (2) contractors must improve managerial acumen and leadership effectiveness; (3) new business models must be devised that facilitate new types of stakeholder relationships; and (4) improved processes and technologies must be incorporated in the execution of construction projects. The dissertation provides some recommendations based on the findings.