A Mechanism for Dispute Resolution in the Iranian Construction Industry

If disputes are not resolved promptly, they tend to become prolonged and escalated, creating a more complicated and less manageable scenario. Therefore, in this study, we formulated a mechanism for dispute resolution in the Iranian construction industry based on alternative dispute resolution methods. The formulated mechanism could aid disputing parties in the construction industry to settle their disputes more effectively and enhance dispute resolution methods in construction standard forms. To achieve this goal, we collected qualitative data using semi-structured interviews with 30 experts who were selected via purposive sampling method. We used MAXQDA software to manage and organise complete interview transcripts and facilitate the qualitative data analysis process. The proposed mechanism and guidance were finally validated using the survey questionnaire. Negotiation has equal potential for dispute resolution with different sources, and it is recommended as the first step in dispute resolution with any source. According to the results, we recommend a three-step resolution mechanism as follows: negotiation, a method based on sources of disputes and a hybrid method of adjudication and arbitration (Adj-Arb), as the appropriate mechanism for dispute resolution in the Iranian construction industry. Replacing arbitration with Adj-Arb in construction standard forms will have satisfactory results in resolving construction disputes and reply to growing criticism that arbitration is becoming more like litigation.