Relational contracting in the UK construction sector

A major feature of the procurement of construction works in the UK is the contractual and business relationship between clients, consultants, main contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and other stakeholders. Since the 1980s, various forms of Collaborative Working Practices (CWPs) have been advocated as substitutes to traditional arm's length contractual relationship when procuring construction works. CWPs are underpinned by Relational Contracts (RCs). RC are informal self-enforcing agreements and are based on the proposition that economic exchanges contain significant social norms such as trust, co-operation and commitment. The findings indicate that it is not the use of either traditional or RC that influences how participants will behave.