Conflict and managing consortia in private prison projects in Australia – Private prison operator responses

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between the parties within consortia from the private prison operator’s perspective. Interviews with prison operators highlighted their perceived relationships with architects, contractors, the government and consultant operator. The study highlighted that operators considered conflict and the management of consortia as imperative to the success of the prison projects. Participating operators provided factual, opinion and subjective perspectives to the management of consortia. This paper demonstrates that disruptive relationships owing to demands of stakeholders, contractual arrangements and differing philosophical standpoints impeded and delayed processes, while also leading to the formation of alliances, and conversely, friction between other parties.