Client-contractor relations on construction projects in Ghana

Abstract

This study sought to determine ways to improve the relationship between clients and contractors on construction projects. The study identifies 14 measures central to improving relationship building between clients and contractors within the construction industry and their prevalence explored from 145 contractors, conveniently sampled. Data obtained from the study is analysed by mean score ranking. The findings revealed that 'ensuring professionalism from both parties', 'achieving client and contractor satisfaction', 'effective communication between parties', 'ensuring commitment from both parties', 'attaching importance to the project by each party', 'ensuring trustworthiness', and 'conformance to contract agreements from both parties' are highly significant measures that contribute to improving client-contractor relationship. Neglect of the identified measures by either party may lead to frustration from the individual and overall objectives of projects. This study makes an original contribution of exploring the area of client-contractor relationship management in Ghana from the practitioners' point of view. In practice, the findings from this study should assist construction practitioners in Ghana as well as those from other developing countries who seek to manage relationships between clients and contractors on projects.