On the discourse of construction competitiveness

Green, S. D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1660-5592, Harty, C., Elmualim, A. A., Larsen, G. D. and Kao, C. C. (2008) On the discourse of construction competitiveness. Building Research and Information, 36 (5). pp. 426-435. ISSN 0961-3218 doi: 10.1080/09613210802076666

Abstract/Summary

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.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/12055
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of the Built Environment > Organisation, People and Technology group
Uncontrolled Keywords	competitiveness, construction performance, discourse, enterprise, culture, lean construction, sustainability, RESOURCE-BASED VIEW, DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES, STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT, FIRM, ADVANTAGE, KNOWLEDGE, FOUCAULT
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