Trust influencing factors in main contractor and subcontractor relationships during projects

Emmanuel Manu, Nii Ankrah, Ezekiel Chinyio, David Proverbs

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Trust is crucial for achieving optimum benefits from supply chain integration and collaboration in the construction sector. Yet relationships between main contractors and subcontractors continue to be influenced by issues that promote vicious circles of distrust. This research investigates the trust influencing factors in main contractor–subcontractor relationships on projects. Empirical data was gathered from across four case studies through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observations and document reviews, and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the change management process, economic climate, payment practices, perceptions of future work opportunities, job performance and the project-specific context influence trustfulness and trustworthiness of the different parties. The findings also imply that stronger trust in the main contractor's supply chain can only be realised and sustained through promotion of trustworthiness-induced rather than benefit-induced trustfulness.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1495-1508
JournalInternational Journal of Project Management
Volume33
Issue number7
Early online date7 Jul 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Trust influencing factors in main contractor and subcontractor relationships during projects'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this