Partnering Measures

Abstract

Although many articles have been written about the use of partnering in the engineering and construction industries in recent years, none have addressed the subject of partnering measurement. Recent research has now made it possible for information on partnering measures to be added to the existing body of partnering literature. Measures allow participants to assess the current status of the partnering arrangement and identify strengths and weaknesses. However, the measures used in a partnering relationship will not be effective unless they are developed in the proper manner. Measures must reflect parameters that are indicative of goal achievement. Additionally, partnering measures must be tailored to suit the culture, needs, and abilities of all involved parties. Because monitoring requires resources, it is best to strategically select a system that measures only those aspects of the partnering relationship most critical to success. This article discusses the use of measures at various levels of the partnering relationship—the alliance, project, and discipline levels. It also outlines three different types of measures—results, process, and relationship. The important thing for an organization to remember is that the various types and levels of measures combine to form an information system useful in evaluating the partnering relationship.