Conflict in Construction

Jeffery Whitfield

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Year: 2012
• Print ISBN: 9781118298701
• eBook ISBN: 9781118298695
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Construction & Architectural Engineering
• Index: Technology & Engineering

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.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title page
• Copyright page
• Preface: A Time of Change
• 1 Conflicts in Construction
• 2 Why Do We Need to Manage Conflict?
• 3 Causes of Conflict
• 4 Dishonesty and Self Deception
• 5 Interpersonal Relationships
• 6 Anatomy of a Construction Project
• 7 Twelve Steps for Reducing Conflict
• 8 Reducing Conflict
• 9 Managing Conflict
• 10 Informal Dispute Resolution
• 11 Formal Dispute Resolution
• 12 Conflict in Changing and Challenging Markets
• Index