Abstract
This study assessed the dispute resolution methods used in the South African construction
industry. Arbitration, adjudication and mediation are the most frequently used dispute resolution methods in
the construction industry. A literature review focused on arbitration, adjudication and mediation in the
construction industry. Closed-ended and open-ended questionnaires as well as interviews were conducted
among the senior construction participants who included architects, quantity surveyors, construction
managers, project managers and attorneys. The questionnaires were completed by 70 construction
participants. The research concluded that for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to be effective in solving
disputes in the local construction industry, mediators, arbitrators and adjudicators with knowledge of the
construction industry should be appointed. In terms of its characteristics, ADR should be the best option to
resolve construction disputes. However, it is not being fully utilised due to the characteristics of dispute
resolution itself and the absence of an appropriate framework to guide the disputing parties on the overall
process. The literature review on the ADR developments and their effectiveness focused only on South
Africa. This study provides a basis for using ADR effectively in the construction industry. The findings are
of value for clients, contractors and consultants.