Defining the Meaning of a Complex Construction Contract: A Systematic Literature Review of Contract Dimensions, Antecedents, and Consequences

In recent decades, numerous studies have explored the issue of contract complexity in construction projects. These studies have provided valuable insights, yet have yielded many conflicting conclusions, such as whether a complex contract is beneficial. Problematic dimensions and fragmented antecedents and consequences of contract complexity in the current literature are the main reasons for these inconsistencies. To fill these gaps, following a systematic literature review, 231 journal articles on contracts in construction projects published from 1985 to 2025, were identified and coded. The dimensions, antecedents, and consequences of contract complexity were extracted and analyzed. On the basis of the findings, this study develops a conceptualization of project contract complexity and a framework for its antecedents and consequences and proposes future research directions. This study advances the understanding of project contract complexity and helps reconcile the contradictions in the literature. The antecedent–consequence framework also provides project managers with guidance on their decisions regarding contract design and application.