Synthesizing Construction Professionals’ Perceived Measures of Mitigating Contractors’ Opportunism

Abstract

Construction contracts acquisition is highly competitive and the process involves taking risks. The scenario sometimes leads to situations whereby contractors deploy different ploys to recoup financial proceeds unduly particularly when the risks undertaken do not match up with the remuneration as expected. This study sets out to examine the mitigating measures to construction contractors’ opportunistic behaviours. Questionnaire survey was used in getting responses from construction professionals. Using appropriate methods of data analysis, data retrieved was analysed and the findings revealed the measures for mitigating contractors’ opportunism. The study concluded by stating that parties to a contract ought to be fully aware of what is expected of all stakeholders; it helps in defining their roles and responsibilities in the contractual undertaking. Finally, the study recommended that in as much as there can’t be an entirely complete contract, efforts should be made to ensure that issues like contract documentation should be well and appropriately done; roles and responsibilities of stakeholders should be well defined so as to fully keep abreast with all parties the expectations with their duties with respect to the project objectives. Equally, there should be equity and fairness in allocation of risks to the various stakeholders of construction contracts.