Tembo-Silungwe, C K and Khatleli, N (2018) Identification of enablers and constraints of risk allocation using structuration theory in the construction industry. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 144(5): 04018021, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Risk allocation has been a focus of interest in the construction industry for some time because of its effects on disputes, claims, tensions, quality shortfalls, and time and cost overruns. Although various theories have been used, albeit with observable limitations, the social theory of structuration has not been tried, and this study shows its relevance in this regard. In this study, structuration theory (ST) is used to understand constraints and enablers for risk allocation and the improvements that could be gained from applying aspects of the theory. A mixed-method approach is used with 15 semistructured interviews and a questionnaire survey from 198 respondents associated with the Zambian construction industry. The findings from the analysis suggest that facets of structuration theory, namely (1) work and effort; (2) interest and power; (3) agency and creativity; (4) materiality; and (5) knowledge, help to identify simple practices that can improve risk allocation. The structuration theoretical lens explains and helps to understand risk allocation because it combines the interaction between structure and agency. It clarifies some issues influencing risk allocation, decision making, and the management of risk allocation between the contractual parties, making it a valuable theoretical contribution, more so in a developing-country context where several structures are not fully developed. The facets can be agency-related or structure-related and may both enable and/or constrain appropriate risk allocation.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | agency; constraints; enablers; practices; risk allocation; structuration; Zambia |
| Index terms: | survey, materiality, interview, agency, questionnaire, decision-making, Zambia, cost overrun, dispute, social theory, creativity, interaction, construction industry, risk allocation |
| Subjects: | social theory, Geography, financial risk, industry analysis, behavioral psychology, innovation and creative processes, decision analysis, sociology, dispute resolution, data collection methods, financial and cost management |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Legal Issues, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here