Catastrophic transitions of construction contracting behaviour

This chapter reports a study on the examination of construction contracting behaviour (CCB) under the influence of the competing forces of co-operation and aggression. The CCB dynamics under these forces are modeled on the Catastrophe Theory (CT) developed by Thom (1975). Mathematical treatment allows analytical examination of the dynamics among the interacting variables. A bifurcation zone within which the behaviour becomes bimodal characterises CT model. Under a CT framework, a small change in the aggression drive can produce a significant sudden change in contracting behaviour; this phenomenon is called divergence. The CCB framework is developed by the identification and establishment of indicators for the three variables; contracting behaviour, co-operation and aggression drivers. These variables are used to test the catastrophic phase transitions of CCB. It is found that if a co-operating party feels aggrieved, she remains co-operative up to a point beyond which she will suddenly attack. This jump is described as catastrophe attack. Once this happens, problems can be easily be escalated to become disputes.