An investigation into the Attitude and Relational Behaviour in Relationship Based Procurement (RBP): A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

The notion of relationship-based procurement (RBP) proposes to address project complexity, uncertain environmental conditions in a project. However, it is constantly challenging roles of project participants, participants assume greater responsibility that require them to strive for excellence in a project. There is frequent critique on participants’ attitude and behaviour that leads to low collaboration in a project, despite of relationship approaches. Thus, the role of attitude and relational behaviour becomes important in projects. Divergent attitude of participants can lead to misaligned behaviour and ultimately to low collaboration in a project. This requires clear understanding of participants’ attitude and relational behaviour that can help improve collaboration in a project. This paper presents a conceptual framework with role of attitude of project participants that guides relational intentions and ultimately relational behaviour for collaboration in a project. The relationship of attitude of project participants, relational intentions and relational behaviour is explained from Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen, 1991). Further, attitudes of project participants are conceptualised in the dimensions that allows collaborative framework in a relation, relational intentions are conceptualised in practices of project participants and relational behaviour in behavioural aspects that emphasize best for project manifesto and resolving issues jointly. The conceptual framework presented here, provide knowledge on attitude of project participants and their behavioural alignment in a project.