Beyond ADR: Working Toward Synergistic Strategic Partnership

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques are becoming increasingly common to resolve disputes in the construction industry. As an alternative to litigation, ADR can be very effective. However, as the name implies, ADR comes into play after disputes have already arisen. One critical key to successful projects is establishing relationships among the parties driven to resolve issues before they become disputes. This paper outlines the four levels of partnering, i.e., moving from a traditional adversarial relationship to a synergistic partnership built on trust and long-term goals. The writers discuss both the theory of partnering relationships and practical examples of projects on which such relationships worked. The paper concludes with 10 practical tips, which can be used to understand and apply the concepts.