A model for forming partnerships in the construction industry

Abstract The objective of this article is to formulate an evaluation model to measure the effectiveness of a construction company relationship in creating partnerships with the supply chain of the construction industry. A survey was conducted with 100 Brazilian companies (50 suppliers and 50 construction companies) and the collected data was analysed using multivariate techniques such as cluster, factorial analysis, Spearman correlation and linear regression. Through the creation of an efficiency index composed of three determining factors (trust, long-term relationship and information sharing), the model developed in this study explains the characteristics of interorganisational relationships in the sample studied. Hence, this model serves as a guideline for the adoption of strategies to form partnerships between builders and suppliers. To improve the efficiency of the relationship between construction companies and suppliers, the following key processes should be considered when adopting partnership strategies: supplier selection, performance assessment and joint meetings.