Causal modelling of construction disputes

Disputes have become an inherent feature of the construction industry. A plethora of studies have been undertaken to identify the causes of disputes so as to determine the most appropriate prevention and resolution strategies. While it is widely known what the main causes of dispute are, they still remain prevalent in the Australian construction industry. This is because there is a need to better understand the complexity and interplay between causal variables. Using data derived from the literature a conceptual causal model of construction disputes is developed. The model identifies the key causal variables and pathogens that can contribute to disputes.