Perceptions of construction organisations on developing successful inter-organisational relationships

The purpose of this study is to investigate the general perceptions of UK construction organisations on developing successful inter-organisational relationships, with the paper reports on five case studies of different construction organisations, which include the main contractors, a specialist contractor and a managing agent contractor. The investigations explored their business relationships with other organisations in the supply chain including clients, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. The findings show that the organisations realise the importance of developing good relationships with their partners, which in turn increases their financial performance. The results also revealed the practices that lead to successful relationships and barriers to the successful relationships. The implication of these preliminary findings show an evidence of a successful relationship can be achieved even though in the context of a temporary organisation structure. This paper adds some important elements of inter-organisation relationship from construction organisations perspective to the current body knowledge.