Assessment of the challenges in implementation of partnerships among contractors in Uganda

Abstract

The challenge of implementing partnerships among contractors is a global concern. Many contractors do not possess expertise to handle major construction activities and are mainly characterised by low capacity and capability as a result of weak resource base, inadequate experience, low technological base, lack of effective corporate management. This study assessed the challenges in implementing partnerships among contractors in Uganda. The study adopted a cross sectional research design employing the mixed method approach involving both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected using questionnaires from a study sample of 40 respondents who were purposively and randomly selected mainly staff from firms of Consultants, Architects, Quantity surveyors, Engineers and Contractors. The data were analysed using quantitative data analysis tool-Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS software version 16.0. Findings show that majority of respondents (mean =3.80) based on Likert scale ranging from 1-5 indicated that in partnership the environment of trust must be maintained. It was revealed that partnerships rarely involve equal power relationships in many organizations. Furthermore issues to do with contractual agreements, trustees, power relationships and spectrum of institutional arrangements are still lacking. Additional finding was that failure to adopt best practices (mean=3.37) was the major factor hindering implementation of partnership among contractors. A partnership model was developed to address barriers to partnership implementation among contractors. The study generated three main conclusions; firstly, there is reasonable level of knowledge about partnerships among contractors, there are some limitations on the knowledge on equal power relations and contractual arrangements that exist among partners for success of projects. The second conclusion was that there is wide adoption of operational and strategic partnerships among contractors in Uganda. Lastly, failure to adopt best practices plays a significant role in hindering implementation of partnerships as supported by reluctance of most contractors in adoption of modern contracting practices. The study recommended that the body dealing with contractors and construction industry in general Uganda National Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABCEC) to conduct seminars on strategic partnership and its benefits to contractors. Secondly, the statutory act which enforces foreign firms to partner with local firm during tendering and execution of any work in Uganda should be established through line ministries. Keywords: Partnerships, implementation, contractors, challenges.