On the discourse of construction competitiveness

Journal article


Green, S.D., Harty, C., Almualim, A.A., Larson, G.D. and Kao, C.C. (2008). On the discourse of construction competitiveness. Building Research & Information. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613210802076666
AuthorsGreen, S.D., Harty, C., Almualim, A.A., Larson, G.D. and Kao, C.C.
Abstract

It is contended that competitiveness is better understood as a discourse rather than as a characteristic that is supposedly possessed. The discourse of competitiveness derives its legitimacy from the enterprise culture that came to dominance during the 1980s. Current popularized theories of competitiveness are constituent parts of this broader discourse, which has had significant material implications for the UK construction sector. The dominant discourse of competitiveness amongst contracting firms is shaped by the need to achieve structural flexibility to cope with fluctuations in demand. Fashionable espoused improvement recipes such as total quality management, business process re-engineering, and lean construction legitimize and reinforce the material manifestations of the enterprise culture. In consequence, the UK industry is characterized by a plethora of hollowed-out firms that have failed to invest in their human capital. While the adopted model may be rational for individual firms, the systemic effect across the sector as a whole equates to a form of anorexia. However, the discourse of competitiveness is by no means monolithic and continues to be contested locally. There have also been numerous counter-discourses that have been mobilized in response to the undesirable externalities of unbridled enterprise. Currently, important counter-discourses promote the ideas of sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Year2008
JournalBuilding Research & Information
PublisherTaylor & Francis
ISSN466-4321
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/09613210802076666
Publication dates
Print14 Aug 2008
Publication process dates
Deposited09 Nov 2022
Accepted author manuscript
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File Access Level
Open
Additional information

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Building Research & Information on 14/08/2008, available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/09613210802076666

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