The development of building process relationships with special reference to South Africa

The development of relationships in the building process historically takes place continuously. The situation in South Africa is characterized by conditions in Britain, where the traditional building process in South Africa originates from. Influences from other countries, particularly the United States of America, are increasing while a local set of building processes develop in South Africa. Building process relationships are formalised in building contracts. Although there are attempts in all the countries under study to standardize tendering procedures and building contracts, only limited success is being achieved. Dissatisfaction with elements of a particular building process compel the parties to the building process to establish alternatives by which the problem from a specific point of view can be eliminated. This process is endless and requires the continued adjustment of relationships within the building process and the formalization thereof in building contracts. The object with this study was to follow the course of international developments, to determine the influence and direction-indication thereof for South Africa, and after reflecting the course of developments in South Africa against it, to evaluate local building process relationships and to state future expectations. A basic understanding of the development of building process relationships can make a significant contribution to faster adaptation to change, whereby the interests of the building industry, the employer and the South African community could best be served. The management evaluation that was made contributes to the possible improvement in the management problems of building processes through adjustment of formal professional, commercial and contractual practices.