Rodger, D; Callaghan, N and Thomson, C (2020) Exploring collaboration within social housing retrofit practice for an ageing population: A single case study in the West of Scotland. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 26(1), pp. 126-140. ISSN 1366-4387
Abstract
Purpose: Sustainably addressing the social and economic demands from an ageing population is a major global challenge, with significant implications for policy and practice. This is resultant of the increasing demand for housing adaptations to prevent increased pressure upon acute health services. Through the lens of institutional theory, this paper aims to explore the levels of joined-up retrofit practice within a Scottish social housing provider, under a constructivist approach. Design/methodology/approach: An exploratory single case study of a Scottish local authority was undertaken. Within this, nine key stakeholders were interviewed, taking a hierarchical approach, from director to repair and maintenance staff. Results were analysed by using Braun and Clarke’s six stages of thematic analysis. Findings: There is a need for greater levels of integration within retrofit practice to not only improve the health and well-being of the older population but also increase efficiency and economic savings within public services. Currently, there are key issues surrounding silo-based decision-making, poor data infrastructure, power struggles and a dereliction of built environment knowledge and expertise, preventing both internal and external collaboration. However, housing, energy and health have interlinking agendas which are integral to achieving ageing in place. Therefore, there must be system-wide recognition of the potential benefits of improved cross-sector collaboration, preventing unintended consequences whilst providing socioeconomic outcomes. Originality/value: This research provides a new perspective surrounding retrofit practice within the context of an ageing population. It highlights the requirement for improved cross sector collaboration and the social and economic cost of poor quality practice.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | ageing population; case study; collaboration; institutional theory; retrofit; social housing |
| Index terms: | Scotland, ageing population, built environment, social housing, efficiency, institutional theory, health service, case study, public services, adaptation, savings, population, collaboration, integration, decision-making, methodology, thematic analysis, repair, housing, unintended consequence, health and wellbeing, local authority |
| Subjects: | economic analysis, user focus, mental health and wellbeing, data collection methods, construction type, risk assessment, administrative law, infrastructure and transport systems, decision analysis, sociology, housing and residential development, organizational analysis, demography, methods and analysis, Geography, research methods, maintenance engineering, public and environmental health, performance management, management |
| Topics: | Geographical Context, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Construction Technology, Stakeholder Management, Risk Management, Quality Management, Urban Studies, Legal Issues, Design Practice, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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