PhD Final Thesis April 2013.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

Thesis Keith Gale 2013reasoning is that a structural researcher is less likely to be corrected by data ‘talkingback’ - something that happens frequently with a case study interview. This viewwas supported by Mintzberg (1979) noted ‘we uncover all kinds of relationships inour hard data, but it is only through the use of this soft data that we are able toexplain them’.An opportunity to gain views from participants with significant levels of constructionmanagement experience engaged through the interview process is used to illustratesoft data from participants.10.8.1 Views upon strength of relationshipsAnalysis of statements from interviews provided significant comment about closerand stronger relationships of frameworks. A Managing Director for a regionalsupplier stated:‘I think the participation to the framework from all members does encourage astronger and a closer relationship because you are participating together and as aresult you create more common goals and have a key working approach. I don’tthink had Winchester High Street been secured outside of that framework….that theoutcome potentially would not have been as good. It’s just like saying you get a goodrelationship between ourselves as employer and contractor because we’re familiarwith each other. Similarly, exactly the same applies from the point of view of yourown labour or subcontractors. I mean, a framework is four years and when youparticipate in a framework that by its very nature is a long term relationship.Conversely, if you go back to traditional procurement that may or may not achievethe same relationship.’On a similar theme, a Senior Engineer with the Client organisation said:‘I think for the traditional methods, there’s a sense of a lack of accountability, youknow, to perpetuate the relationship which means they might be being extremelymore self focused and self servant. Whereas with a framework, there’s still a need forflexibility between one contract to the next because it’s done in a relationshipenvironment where there’s negotiation and discussion which takes place.’246