Construction Crises as Periods of Social Adjustment

Abstract

A construction crisis initiates a period of social adjustment within its host organization. During a construction crisis, people attempt to mold the structure of social relationships in order to serve their interests in the new order that emerges. This paper reports research that has investigated this period of social adjustment, but, in particular, the motives which drive people to pursue particular social structures. The findings suggest that the process of decision making and the exercise of power in the pursuit of relational control are key aspects of the construction crisis management process. They also elucidate the reasons why construction project participants attempt to manipulate the social structure of a project organization in a specific way. The findings will be of value to construction project managers by helping them make more informed judgments in dealing with construction crises.