The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of awareness and
use of risk management techniques by SMEs in the construction industry
conducting business activities in King William's Town and Port Elizabeth
in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A self-administered
questionnaire was used to gather data from 82 SME owners or managers in
the construction industry. The statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) was used to analyse data. The Chi-square, cross tabulation and
descriptive statistical tests were employed to analyse the data. The
results of the study revealed that there is a low level of awareness and
use of risk management techniques by SMEs in the construction industry.
In addition, the results revealed that SMEs in the construction industry
have a positive attitude toward risk management techniques. The results
of the study recommend that the government, tertiary institutions,
construction industry development board and SME owners or managers in
the construction industry should work together to improve the level of
awareness and use of risk management techniques.