Trusting behaviours in construction contracting

Construction contracting is typically subjected to monitoring and control mechanisms. This policing contracting environment reflects the inherent distrust among the contracting parties. Paradoxically, construction project teams work best in a trusting environment because the members are mutually dependent on each other. Furthermore, where flexibility in performance is needed as in case of long-term or complex projects, trust is the necessary condition to suppress opportunism and avoid dispute. Whilst engendering trust is advocated in many industry reviews, trust in construction contracting is a myth remains the majority view within the construction community. This chapter explores the existence of trust in construction projects. Observations of trusting behaviours in construction contracting are solicited and analysed to unveil the bases on which trust can develop.