Conflict Management in Building Construction Projects: Case Study in Gianyar Regency

Abstract

Conflict is a common issue in construction projects that leads to project delays, increased costs, losses, decreased productivity, and strained relationships among project stakeholders. The construction sector consistently ranks among the top two to four largest contributors to the local economy of Gianyar from 2020 to 2024. Given these facts, the researchers are interested in analyzing the impactful factors causing conflicts in building construction projects in Gianyar Regency, Bali. Additionally, this study aims to provide recommendations on appropriate conflict modes to prevent conflicts from escalating into legal disputes. Data collection began with a literature review and field observations. The data were then tested using questionnaire method. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s sampling size method, resulting in 68 respondents. The data analysis utilizing the Relative Importance Index to identify the impactful factors causing conflicts. Meanwhile, recommendations for conflict modes were formulated based on expert interviews within the framework of the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. The study results indicate that the impactful conflict factors, among respondents, include: incomplete contract documents; unapproved claims for additional costs; poor communication among project stakeholders; unclear boundaries between the project site and land owned by indigenous communities; incorrect instructions given to the project field team; and incomplete working drawings and/or technical specifications. The study’s conclusions indicate that the recommended conflict modes primarily involve the “collaborating” mode. Only the factors of incorrect instructions given to the project field team and incomplete working drawings and/or technical specifications are recommended to use the “competing” mode.