Towards an understanding of contractor-subcontractor relationships in the South African construction: experiences from site

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Matsane, Z, Aboagye-Nimo, E ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7651-744X and Aigbavboa, C, 2018. Towards an understanding of contractor-subcontractor relationships in the South African construction: experiences from site. In: Saurin, TA, Bastos Costa, D, Behm, M and Emuze, F, eds., Joint CIB W099 and TG59 International Safety, Health, and People in Construction Conference: Coping with the Complexity of Safety, Health, and Wellbeing in Construction, Salvador, Brazil, 1-3 August 2018. Conference proceedings. Salvador: Marketing Aumentado, pp. 327-335. ISBN 9788567169118

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Abstract

There is a strong correlation between project success and a good contractor-subcontractor relationship. Although the term “contractor” is ascribed to main contractor and their subsequent supply chains, the broad generalization has somewhat distorted each supply chain’s role and interaction with the principle contractor. The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding into the influences of various aspects of management that have a bearing on contractor-subcontractor relationships and their overall performance on site. By means of three case studies, 31 semi-structured interviews were conducted with various project teams. The in-depth qualitative approach highlighted collaborative practices that influence the contractor-subcontractor relationship. Notably, client requirements, procurement strategies, project sum and size were found to influence the operational structures on-site as well as relationships between the principal contractor and subcontractors. Also, the duration of site occupancy was found to impact the relationship dynamic among the principal contractor and subcontractors as relationship built over time were viewed as beneficial for project alliance. The role of government and regulatory bodies in influencing policies and procedures in South African construction is paramount to reconciling the tensions that exist between principal contractor and subcontractors. Finally, creating and managing time-sensitive stakeholder relationships effectively that are built on communication and information sharing, irrespective of the selection processes employed remains a key element in successful collaboration as this encourages a shared vision among project participants.

Item Type:	Chapter in book
Creators:	Matsane, Z., Aboagye-Nimo, E. and Aigbavboa, C.
Publisher:	Marketing Aumentado
Place of Publication:	Salvador
Date:	2018
ISBN:	9788567169118
Divisions:	Schools > School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	15 Nov 2018 16:35
Last Modified:	16 Nov 2018 09:01
Related URLs:	Organisation
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/35007