Critical attributes for selecting contractors for long-term collaborative relationships

The construction industry is increasingly embracing long-term collaborative relationships for project delivery. Since it is not all contractors that are suitable for collaboration and long-term relationships, and most clients are familiar with traditional practices of selecting contractors, there is need for an understanding on the critical attributes to consider in selecting contractors for long-term collaborative relationship contracts. The aim of this study is to determine the appropriate attributes required of contractors to successfully perform in long-term collaborative relationship contracts. The qualitative research methodology was adopted in this study, consisting of multiple case studies of organisations employing framework contracts in South Africa. Data for the study were collected via semi-structured interviews with 16 key informants of eight purposively selected organisations. The data were analysed with the aid of Nvivo 11 qualitative data analysis software utilising thematic qualitative data analysis techniques and presented using word clouds and direct quotes from key informants. The findings indicate that the critical attributes to consider when selecting contractors for long-term collaborative relationships are: team working attribute, commitment, innovativeness, and attributes relating to the behaviour and attitude of the contractors, such as openness, honesty, trust, transparency, ethical and being realistic. These critical attributes are add-ons to other general attributes (such as technical capacity, experience, and price) for contractor selection which are already sufficiently articulated in literature. The study result provides knowledge that can aid better decision making in selecting appropriate contractor for long-term collaborative relationship contracts in the construction Industry