Differing perspectives on collaboration in construction

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this research is to identify the key aspects present in collaborative projects with the objective of producing a clear definition for collaboration within the UK construction industry. Firstly, the research provided a summary of the different forms of "working together" that have become more prevalent since Latham's and Egan's work. Partnering was seen as the ultimate form of collaboration, but due to the recent economic crisis, it has enjoyed diminishing support. Collaboration was perceived as the new way forward. However, the literature on the subject often used the term "collaboration" interchangeably with partnering, alliances, joint ventures, and networks. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify what the meaning of collaboration is currently. Design/methodology/approach -Primary research was carried out in order to provide a clearer picture of what collaboration is. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected through a triangulation of questionnaires and interviews. Selective samples of personnel were approached to take part in interviews to identify aspects of collaboration which were subsequently used to produce a questionnaire. A larger selected sample of personnel was then approached to complete the questionnaires. All personnel in the sample were selected as they had been involved in collaborative construction projects. Semi structured interviews were used to provide a list of aspects to collaboration. The aspects were then ranked in importance based on the analysis of results from an online questionnaire. The aspects were then grouped into those that were considered essential; for those that were considered desirable and those that merely added an extra dimension to collaborative working. Findings -The interviews produced a list of 48 aspects which the participants considered were relevant to collaboration. Through the use of online questionnaires, the 48 aspects were rank ordered and the essential aspects to collaboration identified. The rank ordered list of aspects was then used to inform the definitions of collaboration. Originality/value -The findings of this research indicated that there are a large number of aspects that are associated with collaborative working. However, the results provide an indication of which of the many aspects identified are essential if a collaborative environment is to be established.

Incentive Model Based on Cooperative Relationship in Sustainable Construction Projects

“…Due to the lack of trusting relationships and incomplete contracts amongst various stakeholders involved in sustainable construction projects, many moral hazard behaviors, such as cutting corners and hiding defects, may remain hidden and unknown during the implementation of projects [25,26]. Although it is well documented in the literature that cooperation can enhance project benefits [27][28][29][30], quantitative approaches have not been common for exploring the effects of cooperation on the benefits of sustainable construction projects. The research object of this study is the cooperative Although it is well documented in the literature that cooperation can enhance project benefits [27][28][29][30], quantitative approaches have not been common for exploring the effects of cooperation on the benefits of sustainable construction projects.…”

“…Although it is well documented in the literature that cooperation can enhance project benefits [27][28][29][30], quantitative approaches have not been common for exploring the effects of cooperation on the benefits of sustainable construction projects. The research object of this study is the cooperative Although it is well documented in the literature that cooperation can enhance project benefits [27][28][29][30], quantitative approaches have not been common for exploring the effects of cooperation on the benefits of sustainable construction projects. The research object of this study is the cooperative behavior between owners and contractors in sustainable construction projects.…”

Resource dependency and collaboration in construction supply chain: literature review and development of a conceptual framework

“…Collaboration has often been used interchangeably with partnering, alliances, joint ventures or networks (Hughes et al, 2012) and has been the subject of varying research often seen as the solution to streamlining the supply chain to deliver a competitive advantage within the desired market space. The construction industry has proven to be a major challenge when trying to find a comparable solution due to the nature of relationships within the context of the industry.…”

Reducing waste to landfill: A need for cultural change in the UK construction industry

“…Inadequate collaboration between designers, procurement team and contractors is a key feature that compromises profitability and effectiveness of the construction industry (Hughes et al, 2012).…”

“…This requires an environment for effective communication, information sharing, early warning system and early contribution of expertise by all parties (Hughes et al, 2012). As such, every ambiguity and inaccuracies would have been resolved before design completion, thereby preventing construction errors, reworks and waste.…”