The Potential of Project Managers Taking Roles in Conflict Settlement and Dispute Resolution

To prevent disputes in construction, it is essential to appoint experienced professionals like Project Managers with the necessary skills and knowledge. Project Managers ought to be knowledgeable about alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques, identify the causes and impacts of disputes, and be able to provide professional judgment, technical expertise, and specialized advice on various building project-related topics. This explore the potential roles and skills necessary for construction Project Managers in conflict settlement and dispute resolution. Two objectives have been framed in this research: (1) to identify the potential of Project Managers taking roles in conflict settlement and dispute resolution.; and (2) to identify the competency skills necessary for Project Managers taking roles in conflict settlement and dispute resolution. The study adopts qualitative approach and draws data from five in-depth semi-structured interviews with the selected Project Managers that possess knowledge and experience in taking roles and participating in ADR process. Content analysis reveals five potential roles can be taken by Project Manager during ADR process namely: expert witness; negotiator; mediator; adjudicator; and arbitrator. The study further proposed the skill necessary for Project Manager taking roles in ADR process namely: legal knowledge skills; communication skills; emotional intelligence; problem solving skills; critical thinking skills; creative thinking skills; language skills and case management skills. This preliminary study the potential roles and also the skills needed for Project Manager during ADR process in Malaysia.