Conflict in Construction
1. Edition August 2012
152 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Short Description
Construction projects are beset with disputes. This book deals with all types of conflicts that lead to disputes in construction projects. It shows readers how to avoid, manage and resolve conflicts before they become serious disputes. This book forms the base content for the Hill/Knowles seminar series on conflicts, delivered around the globe by the author, and will be an important resource for everyone employed in the construction industry.
Construction projects are beset with disputes. In 1960 around 250 writs were issued relating to construction disputes. Within 30 years this number increased five-fold, and in the 20 years since then the number of disputes has not fallen. Some disputes are significant, others are quite minor, but most could probably be avoided. Disputes originate in disagreements or conflict between individuals, which if addressed early, can prevent escalation into situations that are difficult, expensive and time consuming to resolve.
Conflicts in Construction deals with all types of conflict but concentrates on the conflicts that lead to disputes in construction projects. The book shows the reader how to avoid, manage and resolve conflicts before they become serious disputes.
The first edition of Conflicts in Construction was read widely and saved many individuals and companies from falling into intractable disputes. The second edition, fully updated, forms the base content for the Hill/ Knowles seminar series on conflicts, delivered around the globe by the author, and will be an important read for everyone employed in the construction industry.
1 Conflicts in Construction
Recent History
Understanding Conflict
Addressing Conflict
Positive Aspects of a Conflict
The Real Causes of Conflict
2: Why Do We Need to Manage Conflict?
Functional Conflict
Dysfunctional Conflict
3: Causes of Conflict
A Conflict of Ideas
A Conflict of Beliefs
A Conflict of Interests
The Fertile Ground Theory
Internal Conflict
Internal Conflict in Construction
Other Factors
4 Dishonesty & Self Deception
Plain Dishonesty
Self Delusion
Cognitive Dissonance
Confirmative Bias
5 Interpersonal Relationships
Anthropological Factors
Social Filtering
Sociological Factors
Physiological Factors
Psychological Factors
Prejudice
Personality Types
The Urge to Conflict
6 Anatomy of a Construction Project
The Project
The Client
The Feed Contractor/Design Contractor
The Contractor
The Project
The Analysis So Far
The Contract Period
The Analysis So Far
The Dispute Period
Analysis of the Dispute
7 Twelve Steps for Reducing Conflict
Step 1: Communicate with precision
Step 2: Listen and consider attentively
Step 3: Think before speaking
Step 4: Take time to build relationships
Step 5: Be honest in your dealings with others
Step 6: Do not dispute trivial matters
Step 7: Look for common ground
Step 8: Recognise and avoid prejudice
Step 9: Express your understanding
Step 10: Control your emotions
Step 11: Apologise gracefully if you are wrong
Step 12: Accept apologies gracefully if others are in the wrong
8 Reducing Conflict
People, People, People
Interpersonal Techniques
Perceptions and Personalities
Tactical Behaviour
In Summary
9 Managing Conflicts
Simple Resolution Techniques
Fact finding
Problem Solving
Control of Conflict
Prevention
Precautions
Symptoms
Alarms
Starve the Conflict
Prevent Conflict from Spreading
Address the Conflict
Call the Professionals
Managing Conflict
10 Informal Resolution Methods
Negotiation
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Dispute Resolution Agents, Dispute Resolution Boards
Mediation and Conciliation
11 Formal Dispute Resolution
Avoidance
Reduction
Control and Management
Resolution
Arbitration and Litigation
Arbitration
Litigation
12 Conflict in Changing and Challenging Markets
Will People Change?
Will Contracts Change?
Has Europe got anything better to offer?
Conflict in Changing Market Conditions
More Conflict or Less Conflict - You decide.
