Construction Management & Economics

Casady, Carter B.; Baxter, David

doi: 10.1080/01446193.2020.1817516pmid: N/A

Abstract The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is placing unprecedented stress on public-private partnerships (PPPs), creating the real possibility of widespread project failures. The disruption and potential collapse of multiple PPP projects will likely trigger force majeure contractual provisions, but the applicability and efficacy of these generic catch-all clauses remain in question. This critical note therefore discusses the implications of force majeure contractual conditions on PPPs in the COVID-19 epoch. We first define the concept of force majeure as it pertains to pandemics. Next, we review a select number of international policies for such events, outlining their key features and glaring shortcomings. Then, we use Novia Scotia’s Highway 104 Twinning Project as an illustrative case example of improved force majeure risk management. Finally, after reflecting on the three ironies of construction crisis management, we outline the need for swift trust in PPPs during this current pandemic and conclude by calling for a comprehensive revision of force majeure contract provisions.

Sherratt, Fred; Sherratt, Simon; Ivory, Chris

doi: 10.1080/01446193.2020.1744674pmid: N/A

Abstract Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are joint ventures in which the private sector works in partnership with government bodies to deliver public sector projects with the intention to deliver them more quickly, efficiently and with better value for money. They are also one of the most contentious project delivery mechanisms to have been mobilised in recent decades. Research has demonstrated the lack of realised value within many such projects, yet construction management academics continue to examine ways of increasing, implementing and optimising this approach in practice, even encouraging its adoption worldwide despite growing social and political dissatisfaction. Here, we go beyond what we see as myopic construction management perspectives, placing our body of work firmly within wider economic, political and social contexts. We challenge uncritical academic compliance with a process that demonstrably contributes to economic inequalities, opportunism and exploitation. We confront the lack of criticality in construction management research of PPPs, and call for construction management academics to broaden their research focus and engage in more robust critique and analysis of construction systems, as they are realised in practice.

Rodger, Dayna; Callaghan, Nicola; Thomson, Craig S.

doi: 10.1080/01446193.2020.1752925pmid: N/A

Abstract With social housing providing accommodation to the most vulnerable individuals within society it is recognised as a key priority area which has the potential to deliver holistic integration across a range of service providers. A need is emerging to examine the nexus between the energy, housing, health and social care sectors to understand how these separate but interlinked policy agendas are integrated in practice. Presented are the findings of interviews conducted with 24 key stakeholders under a thematic analysis, exploring the key themes and prevalent trends which shape the challenges to creating a holistic retrofit system within social housing for the improved wellbeing of older people, through the lens of governmentality. The analysis revealed that the ideological barriers presented prevent a holistic retrofit process and inhibit the potential to create successful collaboration within the healthy ageing agenda. The retrofit of domestic housing is centred around the concept of sustainability; however, the ideological prioritisation of economic considerations over people has created an increased pressure on resources, favouring ease and cost cutting over communication, collaboration, and efficiency. Significant change must occur within governance and organisational structures; increasing flexibility and alliances, creating a viable means of interaction to create solutions and improve implementation.

Hajikazemi, Sara; Aaltonen, Kirsi; Ahola, Tuomas; Aarseth, Wenche; Andersen, Bjorn

doi: 10.1080/01446193.2020.1804069pmid: N/A

Abstract In 2018, the Construction giant Carillion went into compulsory liquidation costing the UK taxpayers an estimated £148m. According to our analysis performed on the case, the demise of Carillion was the result of accumulation of failures and normalisation of deviations from good practice. The purpose of this study is to better understand how deviance can become the norm such that actors in the context of the construction organisations such as Carillion, come to adopt deviant practices rather than respecting their accepted industry codes and ethos. This study is based on an in-depth analysis of publicly available data on the case of Carillion. Our aim is to better understand the process of normalisation of deviance and its potential effect on organisations. Our analysis of the case revealed three specific types of normalised deviance: late payments to suppliers, aggressive accounting and payment of high dividends to shareholders despite the troubled financial status of the firm. The results of our work contribute to theory by showing that normalisation of deviance is a gradual process which can be influenced by actors both within the focal organisation as well as actors in its environment. The managerial implications highlight the need for all actors in the construction sector to become more aware of the normalising deviance process and its potential negative effects, which can be mitigated by stronger adherence to controls in the external environment in which the organisation operates.

Denny-Smith, George; Williams, Megan; Loosemore, Martin

doi: 10.1080/01446193.2020.1795217pmid: N/A

Abstract Governments of highly developed western nations with colonised Indigenous populations such as Australia, Canada and South Africa are increasingly turning to social procurement policies in an attempt to solve social inequities between Indigenous people and other citizens. They seek to use policies and funds attached to infrastructure development and construction to encourage private sector companies to provide training, employment and business opportunities for Indigenous people in the communities in which construction occurs. This paper outlines the rise of these policies and their origins, and critiques their connection to Indigenous people’s human rights, impact measurement, evaluation and accountability mechanisms. In doing so this paper also explores benefits and potential of social procurement policies, as well as risks. Drawing on insights from an Aboriginal-developed evaluation framework, Ngaa-bi-nya, and Indigenous Standpoint Theory, this paper highlights Indigenous peoples’ definitions of value and outlines their relevance to social procurement. Introducing the notion of cultural counterfactuals into social impact measurement research, it also offers a new conceptual framework to enable policymakers and practitioners to more accurately account for social procurement value and impact, including Indigenous people’s notions of social value.

Ju, Lei; Zhao, Wanyu; Wu, Chunlin; Li, Haofan; Ning, Xin

doi: 10.1080/01446193.2020.1817962pmid: N/A

Abstract Work to family conflict (WFC) experienced by employees working in the construction industry has received significant attention from researchers. However, workplace bullying and incivility are rarely considered in relation to WFC, and even more rarely in the context of Chinese construction. Consequently, this study aims to examine how abusive supervisors can influence WFC for employees. Through two surveys of Chinese construction workers, this study analyses the mediation effect of employee psychological distress, and the moderation mechanism of employee family support on the relationship between abusive supervision and employee WFC. The findings show that abusive supervision is positively related to employee WFC, and employees’ psychological distress mediates this relationship significantly. Employee family support moderates the direct and indirect relationship between abusive supervision and employee WFC. Understanding how abusive supervision influences employee WFC is useful for both its theoretical and practical implications, particularly in effectively relieving employee work pressure, reducing the transfer of individual stress into the family domain, promoting employee well-being, and improving construction project performance.