Conflicts in Building Projects in Addis Ababa: Analysis of Causes and Management Approaches
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Date
2019-02-27
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Conflict is inevitable among humans, especially in construction projects where there is a day today interaction, multidisciplinary team, resource and time constraints, uncertainty and multi-organizational structure. Projects in conflict are not only causing losses, problems and bad reputation for the parties involved but they can also have negative impacts on the economy of the project country. The aim of this research is to study conflicts in building projects in Addis Ababa, specifically their causes and management practice. The study used questionnaire and interviews in the related construction-based companies. The research is conducted in Adiss Ketema sub-city. Type of the study is mixed method study and the Likert-Scale are used in the survey questionnaire. For questionnaire apart from printed hard copies, a mobile application was also developed with the use of CSPro software; where some the respondents were asked on site to fill the questionnaire. Moreover, window version of the application made the data entry on SPSS smooth. Findings from the study on the major sources of conflict identified, unrealistic client expectation and determination; blaming others when problems occur; disputes over payment; error and incomplete technical specification; excessive change orders with a mean score of 3 or more. The predominant source of conflict found is technical. The result also indicate that most frequently implemented conflict management approach were collaborating followed by compromise. For future studies it will be very interesting to investigate what kind of conflict are common with respect to task and relationship conflict as the response from effect of conflict on performance is inconclusive.
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conflict, construction, conflict management, CSPro, technical, contractual, behavioral