Strategies for Successful Partnering Relationships

摘要

Partnering is a technique that can be used to reduce conflict on construction projects and create good working relationships among project participants. Not all attempts at partnering are successful. A study was undertaken to identify issues with current partnering practices and strategies for fostering improved relationships. Owners, designers, general contractors, and subcontractors were surveyed to determine their opinions and experiences with partnering. A lack of trust and open communication were identified as the major inhibitors to forming effective partnering relationships. Subcontractors were more negative toward partnering than were owners, designers, and general contractors, because they typically are not involved in partnering. The study indicates that partnering will be successful only when all members of the project delivery team are included and there is a total commitment to trust and open, honest communication.