A Conceptual Analysis of The Relationship Between Payment Delays and Construction Project Delay Risks

Delayed payment is a critical issue in construction projects as it directly affects contractor cash flow and project performance. Payment delays may cause disruptions in material procurement, labor wages, equipment mobilization, and workflow continuity, which can increase the risk of project delays and cost overruns. This study aims to examine the conceptual relationship between delayed payments and project delay risks through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using the PRISMA framework. A total of 155 articles were identified from Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, of which 20 articles were selected for final analysis. The findings indicate that owner cash flow problems, slow approval processes, incomplete documentation, contractual disputes, and bureaucratic constraints are the main causes of payment delays. These delays lead to cash flow disruption, reduced productivity, and project schedule overruns. This study proposes a conceptual framework that explains the causal pathway from payment delay to project delay, contributing to a broader understanding of payment governance in construction management.