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The influence of contracting choices on client-contractor collaboration

Keizer, Yorick (2018) The influence of contracting choices on client-contractor collaboration.

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Abstract:This paper explores the influence of contracting choices on client-contractor collaboration in public construction projects. Insight is provided in contracting pitfalls that clients should consider at the start of a project. Based on agency and stewardship theory it is hypothesized that collaborative behavior can be triggered by making contracting choices that enhance contractor involvement and flexibility. The empirical part of the research consists of an expert study and a single-case study. The findings of the case study show that the contracting choices were made to safeguard the client’s interests and that little attention was paid at the interests of the contractor. The contracting choices resulted in limited involvement of the contractor in the design process, in an unbalanced division of risk in favor of the client and in rigid price arrangements, which frustrated the collaboration. To improve collaboration, clients should consider giving contractors more design freedom by involving them early in the design process. Furthermore, contractors should be given the opportunity to influence the contractual context within which the collaboration takes place. The success of collaboration depends on how well parties find common interests and can trade-off conflicting interests and the contracting choices need to be made accordingly to facilitate this process.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:ET: Engineering Technology
Subject:56 civil engineering
Programme:Construction Management and Engineering MSc (60337)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/75045
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