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Stakeholder management in the alleviation of legal and regulatory disputes in public-private partnership projects in South Africa

Khotso Dithebe (Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg - Doornfontein Campus, Doornfontein, South Africa)
Wellington Didibhuku Didibhuku Thwala (Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg - Doornfontein Campus, Doornfontein, South Africa)
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa (Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg - Doornfontein Campus, Doornfontein, South Africa)
David J. Edwards (School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK and Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Susan Hayhow (CEBE, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK)
Saeed Talebi (School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK)

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology

ISSN: 1726-0531

Article publication date: 18 October 2021

Issue publication date: 24 March 2023

316

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the use of critical success factors (CSFs) of stakeholder management as a possible solution to reduce disputes experienced because of legal and regulatory issues in public–private partnership (PPP) projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper’s epistemological positioning adopted positivism and deductive reasoning to investigate the dispute phenomena on PPP projects. A survey strategy was adopted using a structured questionnaire and closed-ended Likert scales to collate primary data. Questionnaires were distributed to South African construction professionals using both purposive and snowballing non-probability sampling techniques. Data was analysed using summary statistical analysis of the CSFs identified from literature.

Findings

This study revealed that among the 19 CSFs identified, five factors were highlighted that could contribute to the alleviation of disputes between stakeholders in PPP projects, namely, adequate project planning and control; effective leadership; appropriate strategies for the management of stakeholders; confirmation of clear goals and objectives of the project; and effective communication.

Originality/value

The strength of this study lies in the evaluation and use of CSFs of stakeholder management as a possible solution to minimise or even avoid disputes as a result of legal and regulatory issues in PPP projects. By integrating the CSFs, the legal and contractual misconceptions of the PPP initiative are clarified. Such work represents a novel contribution to procurement practice in South Africa and maybe to other countries internationally who are grappling with similar issues.

Keywords

Citation

Dithebe, K., Thwala, W.D.D., Aigbavboa, C.O., Edwards, D.J., Hayhow, S. and Talebi, S. (2023), "Stakeholder management in the alleviation of legal and regulatory disputes in public-private partnership projects in South Africa", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 325-342. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-01-2021-0037

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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