Key factors of relational partnerships in project management

Abstract

Relational partnership is one of the most widely used procurement mechanisms for construction projects. While the relational procurement is based on principles of contracting parties being cohesive and committed to work with an agreed project outcome, what really drives the success of a good relationship among the parties and the underlying factors are difficult to ascertain. Among many factors highlighted by researchers, the three widely known significant factors are communication, trust and confidence and joint risk management. Based on an empirical study in Australian construction industry, a comprehensive investigation was undertaken by the author to analyse these factors further and thereby to understand the impacts on the success of relational partnerships in construction projects. The results of the investigation identified communication as the single most influencing factor impacting relational partnering success. While the trust and confidence were found to be mutually inclusive for effective communication, both the factors have direct influence on developing capability for joint risk management within the partnering organisations.