The purpose of this study is to propose a comprehensive and practical framework for relational contracting in the construction industry by systematically identifying and thematically classifying the key factors that influence relational contracts.
Following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, a systematic literature review was conducted on 263 construction-related articles published in the SCOPUS database between 1989 and 2024. The collected data were first semantically tagged using ChatGPT4o, and then qualitatively examined through content analysis with MAXQDA24 software. This integrated approach allowed for the systematic identification, classification and synthesis of key factors influencing relational contracting.
A total of 56 potential factors were identified, and these factors were grouped under 12 thematic headings. Among these, themes such as participation, project management and trust were found to be the most prominent. The results suggest that hybrid contracting models that utilize transactional and relational governance approaches in a complementary manner are more effective in managing complex relationships in construction projects.
This study is limited to English-language publications indexed in SCOPUS database and relies predominantly on theoretical and conceptual studies, with fewer empirical cases. Although intercoder validation improved consistency, some subjectivity in qualitative coding may remain. Future research could expand the evidence base by using additional databases, multilingual resources, sector-specific analyses and alternative analytical techniques. Further examination of the interdependencies among the 12 themes and exploration of AI's potential roles in relational contracting also offer valuable avenues for advancement.
The findings provide practical guidance for project managers and contracting professionals in designing and implementing relational contracts. By emphasizing cooperation, trust and incentive alignment, the study contributes to improving collaboration among stakeholders and reducing disputes, thereby enhancing project success.
This study uniquely and systematically identifies and classifies the factors influencing relational contracting at a thematic level. It offers a comprehensive and practically applicable framework that supports both academic research and decision-making in collaborative project management.
