Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to identify the key aspects present in collaborative projects with the objective of producing a clear definition for collaboration within the UK construction industry. Firstly, the research provided a summary of the different forms of “working together” that have become more prevalent since Latham's and Egan's work. Partnering was seen as the ultimate form of collaboration, but due to the recent economic crisis, it has enjoyed diminishing support. Collaboration was perceived as the new way forward. However, the literature on the subject often used the term “collaboration” interchangeably with partnering, alliances, joint ventures, and networks. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify what the meaning of collaboration is currently.

Design/methodology/approach – Primary research was carried out in order to provide a clearer picture of what collaboration is. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected through a triangulation of questionnaires and interviews. Selective samples of personnel were approached to take part in interviews to identify aspects of collaboration which were subsequently used to produce a questionnaire. A larger selected sample of personnel was then approached to complete the questionnaires. All personnel in the sample were selected as they had been involved in collaborative construction projects. Semi structured interviews were used to provide a list of aspects to collaboration. The aspects were then ranked in importance based on the analysis of results from an online questionnaire. The aspects were then grouped into those that were considered essential; for those that were considered desirable and those that merely added an extra dimension to collaborative working.

Findings – The interviews produced a list of 48 aspects which the participants considered were relevant to collaboration. Through the use of online questionnaires, the 48 aspects were rank ordered and the essential aspects to collaboration identified. The rank ordered list of aspects was then used to inform the definitions of collaboration.

Originality/value – The findings of this research indicated that there are a large number of aspects that are associated with collaborative working. However, the results provide an indication of which of the many aspects identified are essential if a collaborative environment is to be established.