BEST PRACTICES
A Modern Day Look at Partnering
A
5 STRATEGIES THAT WILL REDUCE CONFLICT AND IMPROVE PROJECT OUTCOMES s construction management professionals and
stakeholders voluntarily agree at the outset of a project
consultants, it’s our business to think about how
to adopt a cooperative, team-based approach in order to
people and processes fit together to achieve
eliminate or reduce conflicts and claims, and enhance job
the best results. Many of us got into this industry
satisfaction and successful project outcomes.
because we have a passion for building something bigger than us. Better buildings. Better infrastructure. The power to
The concept of Partnering made its debut in the late 1980s
impact cities and communities for years to come. With this
in response to a significant increase in conflicts, claims, and
in mind, there is nothing quite as rewarding as delivering a
litigation among owners, architects, and contractors. Since
successful project with a successful team. And, as with any
then, several management consulting firms, federal agencies,
team environment, this is not always an easy task. We know
and professional organizations have embraced and helped
that project teams are not always formed out of choice, project
define the Partnering process.
stakeholders come together at all stages, and projects are these challenges, there is one aspect of a successful team that is
According to the International Partnering Institute (IPI), Partnering:
a constant: a shared, collaborative culture and a commitment
• Reduces claims
to project development and problem resolution regardless of
• Produces cost savings
the contract delivery method used. This is where the concept of
• Reduces project delivery time
Partnering comes in.
• Enhances project safety
delivered by a variety of different delivery methods. Despite
WHAT IS PARTNERING?
• Promotes greater job satisfaction for the entire project team
In the design and construction industry, Partnering is a
Despite these benefits, the momentum for Partnering subsided
formal, facilitated management process in which all project
from its initial introduction to the industry, and its definition
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Partnering Magazine Fall 2019
www.partneringinstitute.org