Risk Assessment and Risk Engagement in the Construction Industry Within Conflict Zones

Stakeholders throughout the construction industry deal with risks and uncertainties, which are particularly important where they lead to poor construction development. Very few studies have examined stakeholders` perception of risk in the construction industry especially in conflict zones. However, it is important to identify how risk is perceived and dealt with effectively in order to successfully implement different strategies of dealing with risks. To achieve this, an initial framework is developed from current practices, applied and then refined based on the data gathered. Data collection has been carried out in Palestine using semi structured qualitative interview. A range of risk variables were uncovered, including movement restrictions, limitations in the locations of construction and problems related to specific governmental policies. The findings also confirmed the significant influence of some existing theories: cultural, social and psychometric, and revealed others including the process of policy implementation and validation. The interviewees considered that risks relating to inappropriate implementation of policies is the main cause of poor achievement of construction development, followed by restrictions in movement and poor land management. Therefore, there is a need to provide stakeholders and policymakers with better knowledge of how risk is perceived and dealt with in order to enhance construction development in these risky locations.