Understanding Owner–Contractor Conflicts in State Building and Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Norway
Conflicts between owners and contractors in state-led infrastructure and building projects pose significant challenges to project efficiency, cost control, and stakeholder collaboration. The aim of this study is to identify the primary causes of such conflicts in Norway and evaluate potential mitiga...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1135 |
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| author | Omar K. Sabri Martin Dovland Fredrik Daae |
| author_facet | Omar K. Sabri Martin Dovland Fredrik Daae |
| author_sort | Omar K. Sabri |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Conflicts between owners and contractors in state-led infrastructure and building projects pose significant challenges to project efficiency, cost control, and stakeholder collaboration. The aim of this study is to identify the primary causes of such conflicts in Norway and evaluate potential mitigation strategies. Deficiencies in tender documentation, unclear risk allocation, and limited early contractor involvement significantly contribute to project disputes considered as central facts. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates survey data from 57 industry professionals and in-depth interviews with senior project managers. Statistical analysis results show that most people believe flawed tender documents and unclear risk sharing are big causes of conflicts. Specifically, 78% said tender documents were a problem, and 65% pointed to unclear risk allocation. Additionally, interviews revealed that involving contractors early in the process helps avoid misunderstandings and encourages better teamwork. The findings indicate sector-specific differences, with infrastructure projects primarily affected by technical ambiguities and contractual disputes, whereas building projects face more scope modifications and interpersonal conflicts. To mitigate these issues, the study recommends improving tender document quality, adopting collaborative contracting models, and increasing early contractor engagement. These measures can enhance project outcomes, reduce societal costs, and foster more efficient stakeholder collaboration in state-led construction initiatives. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b1e2186b4e614807a0374ca231251c0c |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-b1e2186b4e614807a0374ca231251c0c2025-08-20T03:06:32ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-03-01157113510.3390/buildings15071135Understanding Owner–Contractor Conflicts in State Building and Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of NorwayOmar K. Sabri0Martin Dovland1Fredrik Daae2Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, NorwayDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, NorwayDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, NorwayConflicts between owners and contractors in state-led infrastructure and building projects pose significant challenges to project efficiency, cost control, and stakeholder collaboration. The aim of this study is to identify the primary causes of such conflicts in Norway and evaluate potential mitigation strategies. Deficiencies in tender documentation, unclear risk allocation, and limited early contractor involvement significantly contribute to project disputes considered as central facts. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates survey data from 57 industry professionals and in-depth interviews with senior project managers. Statistical analysis results show that most people believe flawed tender documents and unclear risk sharing are big causes of conflicts. Specifically, 78% said tender documents were a problem, and 65% pointed to unclear risk allocation. Additionally, interviews revealed that involving contractors early in the process helps avoid misunderstandings and encourages better teamwork. The findings indicate sector-specific differences, with infrastructure projects primarily affected by technical ambiguities and contractual disputes, whereas building projects face more scope modifications and interpersonal conflicts. To mitigate these issues, the study recommends improving tender document quality, adopting collaborative contracting models, and increasing early contractor engagement. These measures can enhance project outcomes, reduce societal costs, and foster more efficient stakeholder collaboration in state-led construction initiatives.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1135construction disputesowner–contractor conflictsstate infrastructure projectsrisk allocationearly contractor involvementconflict mitigation |
| spellingShingle | Omar K. Sabri Martin Dovland Fredrik Daae Understanding Owner–Contractor Conflicts in State Building and Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Norway Buildings construction disputes owner–contractor conflicts state infrastructure projects risk allocation early contractor involvement conflict mitigation |
| title | Understanding Owner–Contractor Conflicts in State Building and Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Norway |
| title_full | Understanding Owner–Contractor Conflicts in State Building and Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Norway |
| title_fullStr | Understanding Owner–Contractor Conflicts in State Building and Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Norway |
| title_full_unstemmed | Understanding Owner–Contractor Conflicts in State Building and Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Norway |
| title_short | Understanding Owner–Contractor Conflicts in State Building and Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Norway |
| title_sort | understanding owner contractor conflicts in state building and infrastructure projects a case study of norway |
| topic | construction disputes owner–contractor conflicts state infrastructure projects risk allocation early contractor involvement conflict mitigation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1135 |
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