Supply chain collaboration within the Iranian construction industry

Abstract Collaboration is an important factor to succeed and increase the sustainability in project management and construction, especially in a construction supply chain (CSC) that includes multiple partners. Although, in recent decades, many changes have occurred in the construction industry, there are still many problems in this area. Therefore, research in this area becomes vital because collaboration is one of the best approaches to improve CSC performance. In this study, collaborative relationship has been found to be affected by three main factors: managerial, financial and structural. However, application of collaboration in Iran is still in its inception. This comprehensive research study focuses on suitable context for implementing the collaboration method. The methodology of this research is based on interviews and a review of previous research, which identifies critical factors and positive results of use in relation to collaboration. Results of this study improve our knowledge about the role of collaboration in a CSC's performance. Analysis of data shows that managerial factors have the most positive effects on the implementation of collaboration networks in CSCs, followed by financial factors and organizational factors.