Robby Soetanto

Employee perceptions of empowerment

Purpose – This study aims to examine how empowerment is perceived by individuals employed on construction projects. In contrast with previous research which has predominantly been conducted from a management perspective, this paper deals with employee perceptions of empowerment.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach was adopted for this study employing in‐depth interviews on four major construction projects.Findings – The findings from the study indicate that there can be a gap between the employee experience and the management rhetoric. Health and Safety issues were often cited by the employees as a major barrier to empowerment. The strict Health and Safety regulations under which construction employees operate limit their freedom to influence the work that they undertake. A further factor that was found to have a strong influence on the diffusion of empowerment was the role of the employees’ immediate supervisor.Research limitations/implications – The data are based on case studies that il...

Understanding empowerment from an employee perspective: what does it mean and do they want it?

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to examine the various meanings of empowerment for employees from their own perspective, the psychological dimension of empowerment and whether employees want to be empowered.Design/methodology/approach – In order to understand how employees feel about empowerment, it is necessary to ask them directly so that one can understand their perceptions. A qualitative approach is adopted, employing 45 semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews with employees. The aim of the interviews is to provide an insight into the meanings of empowerment for these employees.Findings – The findings indicate that the employees do not recognise the term “empowerment” nor do they reference the term “power” in relation to themselves. However, they are able to relate to associated concepts, notably “personal responsibility” and “control over their work”. Empowerment for the employees was found to operate as a continuum, as the extent to which employees seek empowerment varies considerably. The inn...

Achieving quality construction projects based on harmonious working relationships ‐ Clients’ and architects’ perceptions of contractor performance

The results of an investigative study aimed at assessing the performance of construction contractors, as perceived by clients and architects in the UK, are presented. The assessment uses predetermined generic performance criteria and involves two measurements, namely perceived importance (I) and perceived performance (P). Importance‐performance analyses are then carried out using three measures, namely average satisfaction (D), percentage response (R) and priority rank (PR). Results indicate a need for contractors to improve in most aspects of performance. Generally, architects are found to be less satisfied than clients in regard to overall contractor performance. Furthermore, the perceptions of clients and architects regarding D and PR are broadly similar. It is implied that a well‐planned and designed performance improvement strategy on behalf of contractors will address the needs of both clients and architects. Findings will be of interest to contractors embarking on projects with clients and architects.

The futures of construction: a critical review of construction future studies

Anticipating the future is increasingly being seen as a useful way to align, direct and improve current organizational strategy. Several such ‘future studies’ have been produced which envision various construction industry scenarios which result from technological and socio‐economic trends and influences. Thirteen construction‐related future studies are critically reviewed. Most studies fail to address the complexities and uncertainties of both the present and the future, and fail to explore the connections between global, local, construction‐specific and more widespread factors. The methodological approaches used in these studies do not generate any significantly different advice or recommendations for the industry than those emerging from the much larger canon of non‐future oriented construction research. As such, these reports are less about the future than the present. If future studies are to make a worthwhile contribution to construction, it is critical that they develop our appreciation of the practical ability of stakeholders to influence some aspects of the future and not others, and an awareness of the competing agendas and the relative benefits and disadvantages of specific futures within the construction sector. Only then can future studies provide insights and help in preparing for the opportunities and threats the future may bring.

Impact of flood characteristics on damage caused to UK domestic properties: the perceptions of building surveyors

Flood damage to domestic properties can be considered as a function of two key factors, that is, the flood characteristics and characteristics of the property. A thorough literature review identified that little or no consideration is given to the characteristics of flood when assessing flood‐damaged domestic properties. This paper presents the perceptions of 289 building surveyors regarding flood characteristics as part of a 2‐year research project to benchmark the assessment of flood‐damaged domestic properties in the UK. Surveyors perceived the sewage, fasciae and contaminant content, and depth of the floodwater. Findings also revealed that methods to determine these factors were primarily a function of individual subjective perceptions. Definitive guidance is therefore, needed to minimise variations in subsequent repair and reinstatement works.

Criteria for assessing the potential performance of hybrid concrete structural frames

When assessing the potential benefits of using any new technology, it is essential that appropriate performance criteria are used and comparisons are made with the alternatives available. This paper reports on the development of criteria to help inform the process of deciding whether or not to adopt hybrid concrete construction (HCC) technology rather than more traditional alternatives. Following a thorough review of literature to identify a range of HCC performance criteria, their perceived importance was investigated via an opinion survey of experienced UK‐based practitioners. The result of the analysis revealed that all criteria identified through literature were considered important, with “physical form and space” of a building, “meeting perceived needs” and “construction cost and safety” being the more important performance criteria influencing the selection of an appropriate structural frame. This paper describes the potential practical application of these criteria to assist the early structural frame decision‐making process.

Towards a BIM-enabled sustainable building design process: roles, responsibilities, and requirements

ABSTRACT Environmental sustainability considerations are often treated as an add-on to building design, following ad hoc processes for their implementation. As a result, the most common problem to achieve a sustainable building outcome is the absence of the right information at the right time to make critical decisions. For design team members to appreciate the requirements of multidisciplinary collaboration, there is a need for transparency and a shared understanding of the process. This research presents the findings from 25 in-depth interviews with industry practitioners concerning 10 case studies of buildings, which achieved high-sustainability certification ratings (e.g. BREEAM, Passivhaus, Part L), to identify best practices in sustainable building design (SBD). The results identify the key players’ roles and responsibilities, tasks, deliverables, and critical decision points for SBD. These components have been coordinated explicitly in a systematic process that utilises Information and Communications Technology, Building Information Modelling, and Building Performance Analysis software to realise the benefits of combining distributed teams’ expertise.

Healthcare emergency planning and management to major hazards in the UK

This study aims to examine the challenges and opportunities UK healthcare emergency planners and responders have to cope with major hazards. The study followed a qualitative research methodology where data was collected from a comprehensive literature review, an international workshop and interviews. The findings established that the UK healthcare emergency planning process needs to: consider the integration of soft and hard resources in planning; involve independent experts for further support; and use IT systems innovatively to develop a comprehensive emergency model, predict vulnerabilities and optimise effectiveness and efficiency. The major recommendations are to: identify and evaluate risks more accurately; enhance opportunities and reduce risks associated with multiagency approaches; ensure that soft and hard resources are well integrated in planning; involve and integrate more with independent parties such as academia for extra support; and innovatively use IT systems to develop a comprehensive emergency model, predict vulnerabilities and optimise operability.

Defining the sustainable building design process: methods for BIM execution planning in the UK

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to develop a building information modelling (BIM)-enabled sustainable design process model that identifies critical decisions actions in the design process along with the information and level of detail that facilitate an informed and timely decision. Building performance analysis is usually performed after the design and construction documents are produced, resulting in lost opportunities. Design/methodology/approach – A number of research methods have been adopted; these include extensive literature review and 11 in-depth exploratory interviews with industry practitioners (sustainable building design experts, early BIM adopters). Findings – Project delivery methods have a significant effect on the sustainable outcome of buildings. The development of a structured process can assist sustainable design practice among building professionals. Learning from implemented projects, that have utilised BIM processes, facilitates the scope of creating this process and advis...

Integrating Uncertainty Management in Strategic Planning Practice

Despite competing in highly turbulent and competitive industry, evidence suggests that construction firms have not put sufficient emphasis on strategic planning. Further, the practice of strategic planning in construction is dominated by informal nd sporadic approaches/processes, which rely heavily on the subjective judgement of top management and tacit knowledge of individuals involved. Literature indicates that the identification of possible risks and opportunities is the most critical in this process, but little guidance is available with regards to the most effective approaches in dealing with the inherent characteristics of strategic planning. A review of underlying aspects (including decision theory, cognitive and behavioural psychology) is presented with a view of developing a framework for improving this process in a construction firm. The framework attempts to engage stakeholders and capture both explicit and tacit knowledge in the strategic thinking for organisational learning. The framework is viewed as a better alternative to the top-down approach of strategic decision making in the construction industry. Benefits from adopting such anapproach and future direction of research in this area are then discussed. Copyright ASCE 2009.