Organizational Justice and Conflict Management Theories for Modeling Dispute Resolution Effectiveness in Construction Projects

Construction projects frequently encounter disputes that disrupt performance, escalate costs, and weaken stakeholder relationships. Although prior research has widely examined contractual procedures and legal mechanisms for dispute resolution, limited attention has been given to the behavioral and fairness-driven factors that shape how disputes evolve and are resolved. The lack of integrated empirical models linking fairness perceptions to conflict-management behavior creates a practical and theoretical gap, as dispute outcomes depend not only on legal structures but also on how stakeholders perceive equity, transparency, and respectful communication during conflict. This study investigates the interplay between organizational justice dimensions and conflict-management strategies in determining dispute-resolution effectiveness within construction sector. Grounded in OJT and CMT, the research develops a comprehensive framework linking fairness perceptions to behavioral conflict responses and resolution outcomes. Using a quantitative approach and data collected from 312 construction professionals, the study applies partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test 22 hypotheses, including both direct and mediating relationships. Results reveal that procedural, interpersonal, and informational justice significantly enhance collaborative and compromising conflict-management behaviors, which in turn positively influence dispute-resolution effectiveness. Collaborative management emerged as the strongest mediator, emphasizing its role in fostering open communication, transparency, and trust during dispute processes. However, distributive justice demonstrated limited influence, indicating that fairness in processes and relationships outweighs outcome equity in promoting effective conflict handling. The study advances theoretical understanding by integrating justice and conflict-management frameworks and provides practical implications for developing equitable governance systems, fostering collaboration, and enhancing dispute-resolution mechanisms in the construction industry.