Investigating the root causes of community disruptions in South African construction projects using an unexplored approach

Purpose There is an increasing construction project disruption in many developing countries by organised crime groups in communities posing as legitimate agents advocating for economic, environmental or social change. These disruptions caused by crime groups may impact infrastructure delivery if not curbed. This study investigates the perceived root causes and measures to mitigate community disruption of construction projects in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative research design and achieved saturation with 11 participants. The interviewees were the project management team, subcontractors, consultants, the general workforce and surrounding communities of the Tshwane University of Technology projects in South Africa. This study employed a thematic analysis, and data were analysed manually. Findings This study identified the root causes of community disruptions and clustered them into three types. Findings identified poverty, community grievance, economic deprivation, unfair treatment, lack of information, poor stakeholder management, social habits, unemployment, organised groups, criminality and extracted funds as the major root causes of community disruptions. Findings also show that Type 1 community disruptions involve efforts to prevent project implementation by stakeholders who oppose the development. Type 2 functions as a conflict resolution tool, and Type 3 aims to extract funds from projects through intimidation and violence. This study proffered measures to mitigate community disruptions of construction projects. Originality/value As part of this study, proffering measures to mitigate the root causes will promote South African sustainable infrastructure and economic growth development. The outcome would also promote proactive stakeholder management policies and government interventions focusing on socio-economic issues through enhanced law enforcement.