Rethinking Distrust in the Nigerian Construction Sector: Critically Bridging Conceptual Misconceptions with Theoretical Foundations

Abstract

Distrust is often portrayed as the opposite of trust, with negative connotations that overshadow its functional role in project governance. In the Nigerian construction industry, where projects are complex, multi-stakeholder, and risk-prone, this view is widespread. This study critically rethinks distrust by contrasting how construction professionals conceptualize it with how it is theoretically defined in the literature. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight senior professionals across multiple disciplines and analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings reveal three dominant practitioner interpretations of distrust: breach of agreement or obligation, loss of confidence in character or competence, and violation of relational expectations. These interpretations reflect a narrow, moralized view of distrust, which contrasts sharply with established theoretical foundations that frame distrust as a rational, proactive response to uncertainty and risk. By exposing this conceptual gap, the study clarifies distrust as both distinct from and complementary to trust, advancing theoretical understanding and offering practical insights for improving project governance, accountability, and stakeholder engagement in high-risk construction environments.