Modelling conflict resolution styles ideal for risk control in construction project execution in the Cape Metropolis

Abstract

The development of any country is intrinsically tied to infrastructure development, which, by definition, involves large construction operations. On the other hand, the rate of project execution failure is disturbing, thus promoting the need to study and understand the construction phenomenon well. Conflicts are a common phenomenon in construction projects and these are largely responsible for most, if not all, project execution failure. With an unprecedented project failure rate in construction projects designed and headed by appropriately qualified and experienced construction personnel, it is difficult to understand why conflict would be a major issue. However, dealing with human conflict is a science and skill on its own – the result of most disturbances and unrest in the community at large, suggesting a problem that is inherently human. The human element therefore becomes an area of specific concern considering that all the necessary equipment, tools, techniques and technologies are adequate to ensure the eradication of project execution failure. This study focused on the types of conflict management styles compared to the traditional methods used in other parts of the world. The nature of conflict is too often domesticated and influenced by diversity in the organisation, with specific focus on culture and race in the South African context. Descriptive research design and methodologies were used with the assistance of a three-section structured research tool that required the biography of respondents, ranking scale, and open-ended questions. The findings point to adherence to basic or traditional conflict management styles, but with pronounced diversion evidently emanating from cultural diversities. The study shows an urgent need for contingency leadership, with special focus on individual tasks, people and the organisational environment. The suggestion from this research is that the pre-emptive management of conflicts as a critical risk factor would allow for the reduction of both occurrence and impact of conflict in construction projects.