Exploring the latent shortcomings of conflict resolution techniques among project teams in the construction industry of Ghana.
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Date
2021-07-06
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Abstract
Projects are temporary endeavors and multi-organizational in structure hence, making it a
conflict prone industry. There is, however, scarcity of information on latent conflict
resolution techniques among project teams in the Ghanaian construction industry as most
of the studies on conflict resolution do not tackle techniques used in resolving latent
conflicts. Therefore, the study aimed at exploring the latent/perceived shortcomings of
conflict resolution techniques among project teams in the construction industry of Ghana.
With this aim three (3) objectives were set which were to assess the underlying causes of
conflicts among project teams in the construction industry of Ghana, to establish the most
significant conflict resolution technique adopted in resolving conflicts among project
teams in the construction industry of Ghana and to explore the perceived/latent
shortcomings of conflict resolution techniques among project teams in the construction
industry of Ghana. Extensive literature review was conducted and with the use of
quantitative research method, a structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from
fifty-five (55) respondents. Prior to the data analysis, the reliability and validity of the
data was ascertained using the Cronbach’s Alpha value. The data were analyzed using
frequencies, percentages and Relative Importance Index (RII). From the analysis of the
objective one, it was realized that, the most important cause of conflict was delayed client
responses followed by the difference in perception of work quality, inaccurate design
information and the use of substandard materials for construction. For the second
objective, it was realized that, negotiation was the most significant conflict resolution
technique followed by mediation, arbitration and early neutral evaluation. For the third
objective it was noticed that, the most significant shortcoming of conflict resolution
technique was conflict of interest followed by dismissal of employee and extra expenses.
It was therefore recommended that, stakeholders should adequately stipulate expectations
at the early stages of a project to avoid differences in perception of work requirements
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award Degree of Master of Science in Project Management.
Keywords
Conflict, Latent, Conflict resolution