Resource Dependency Theory and Project Alliances in the Nigerian Construction Industry: An Empirical Test

Resource dependency theory (RDT) provides a theoretical lens for understanding inter-firm project alliances, yet its empirical application to explain alliance formation and performance in Nigerian construction has not been conducted. This study applies RDT to examine resource dependency and project alliance dynamics in Nigeria's construction industry. A cross-sectional survey will recruit 240 construction company directors, alliance managers, and project executives from large and medium-sized firms across Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. An adapted Resource Dependency Questionnaire will assess resource scarcity, partner complementarity, power asymmetry, and governance mechanisms in alliances. Alliance project performance will be measured against agreed contractual outcomes. Structural equation modeling will test the theoretical model. RDT has been applied extensively in Western construction research but remains untested in Nigerian contexts where informal relationship networks and trust-based alliances coexist with formal contractual arrangements. This study generates theoretical and empirical contributions of relevance to both academic project management scholarship and industry alliance strategy. Keywords: resource dependency theory, project alliances, construction industry, Nigeria, inter-firm collaboration