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Badenfelt, U (2010) I trust you, I trust you not: a longitudinal study of control mechanisms in incentive contracts. Construction Management and Economics, 28(03), 10.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: longitudinal study; trust; control mechanisms; partnering arrangements; target cost contracts
  • ISBN/ISSN: 0144-6193
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/01446191003587745
  • Abstract:
    The relationship between trust and control in client–contractor interactions is explored, focusing on the control mechanisms used in a construction project. A longitudinal case study of a large laboratory construction project found that the client used a variety of control mechanisms to ensure that the contractor behaved trustworthily. Empirical data were gathered through interviews and non-participant observation. The results indicate that the use of control mechanisms is part of a complex and dynamic socially constructed process that requires ongoing discussion and evaluation, and to which informal control mechanisms are central. Business relationships built solely on trust are seemingly rare; even in trust-based collaborative settings, such as partnering arrangements; the contracting parties must pay attention to trust-nurturing actions.