PARTNERING
Partnering
is a concept that recognizes that every contract has an implied
covenant of good faith. With Partnering, the stakeholders (owner,
architect/engineer, construction manager, general contractors,
subcontractors, suppliers, craft workers, vendors, government
agencies, and anyone else involved in the project) perform the
design and construction of a project in an environment of mutual
trust, commitment to shared goals, and open communication. Partnering
establishes a working relationship among all team members based
upon cooperation and teamwork, and achievement of mutual goals
and objectives.
The essentials of Partnering are:
- Commitment of Partnering by the top management
of every organization involved in the project.
- Equity in considering all stakeholders' interests
to create shared goals and commitment
by all stakeholders.
- Trust among all parties through personal relationships
and open communication with mutual sharing
and understanding of each party's risks and goals.
- A Partnering charter developed by all parties
that identifies specific mutual goals
and objectives.
- Implementation of mutual goals and mechanisms
for problem solving.
- Continuous evaluation based on the goals
to ensure the plan is proceeding as intended,
and
all stakeholders are carrying their share of responsibility.
- Timely resolution of all disputes at the
lowest level possible during the project.
- Partnering is a highly leveraged effort
that requires an investment of
time at the beginning, but produces significant
benefits throughout the project.
The Partnering process
empowers the project personnel
of all
stakeholders with the freedom
and authority to accept responsibility to do
their
jobs by encouraging decision-making
and problem-solving at the lowest levels
of authority. It encourages all
personnel to take pride in their
efforts. Partnering tells them
it is all right to get along
with each other and even have
fun on the project.
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