Disputes vs conflicts
In the 1990 book Conflict: Resolution and Provention, John Wear Burton refers to a dispute as “a short-term disagreement that can result in the disputants reaching some sort of resolution; it involves issues that are negotiable.”
Construction disputes are generally consistent with Burton's definition. They tend to arise between two parties due to a disagreement over a specific issue or situation. Addressing the issue can include establishing responsibility for the contractual consequences associated with it and then coming up with a reasonable solution or settlement.
Burton notes that disputes differ from conflicts, which are “long-term, with deeply rooted issues that are seen as ‘non-negotiable’.” In Analysis of conflict and change in construction projects, Construction Management and Economics by P.D. Gardiner and J.E.L. Simmons, conflict is further defined as “any divergence of interest, objectives or priorities between individuals, groups or organisations, or non-conformance to requirements of a task, activity or process.”
Both of these definitions of conflict are consistent within the construction sector, where these issues can lead to the deterioration of relationships, a breakdown of trust, additional costs and ultimately to breaches of contract and claims for damages.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
HSE simplified advice for installers of stone worktops
After company fined for repeatedly failing to protect workers.
Co-located with 10th year of UK Construction Week.
How orchards can influence planning and development.
Time for knapping, no time for napping
Decorative split stone square patterns in facades.
A practical guide to the use of flint in design and architecture.
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from construction and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.