Perceptions of market competition: What is the difference between contractors and clients?

Abstract

A comparative study was conducted to gain the perception of competition rule in the construction industry. A 4-category and 34-item market competition perception criteria were identified via qualitative approach - content analysis. This paper reviewed 217 bid documents and administrated 500 questionnaires to collect the opinions among both clients and contractors in China. It is found that the perception difference of the market competition rules between clients and contractors from the highest to the lowest were economic part, comprehensive part, commercial part and technical part. Moreover, clients and contractors had the largest perception difference in wage payment guarantee measures for peasant workers. This study contributes to an understanding of perceptions of competition rule in China. It may help to formulate guidelines to manage the unreasonable factors in market competition rules and improve construction market efficiency.