APPRAISAL OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION STRATEGIES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN NIGERIA

Purpose: The study evaluated dispute resolution approaches for construction disputes with a view towards exploring their applicability and effectiveness in achieving a long lasting resolution for construction disputes in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach: An exploratory questionnaire survey approach was adopted in which 55 valid responses were received from 120 target respondents which included Builders, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, and Engineers. This gave an overall response rate of 46%. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, mean score, standard deviation and Mann Whitney U test.

Findings: Findings reveal that poor communication and interpersonal skills, delay in payment, and poor workmanship in that order were the three top rated factors responsible for disputes in the construction industry; while cultural differences, project uncertainty, and error in contract documents were the least three rated factors in that order. Additionally, negotiation, mediation, and adjudication were the three most effective strategies for resolving disputes in the industry.

Research limitations/implications: This study had one obvious limitation. It was carried out in two cities rather than the whole country. Although, it can be generalised to other parts of the country, it may only serve as triangulation to studies in other parts of the globe.

Practical implications: The study recommended that mutual trust and understanding among all project participants at all project stages should be encouraged to create a forum for resolving conflicts at an early stage. The study notes that with increasing complexity of construction projects in Nigeria, disputes occur as a result of factors identified. However, there are very effective dispute resolution strategies or mechanisms for those construction disputes.

Originality/value: The study established key factors responsible for disputes in the Nigerian construction industry and level of effectiveness of strategies for resolving conflicts in the construction industry from Nigeria's perspective.