Construction industry development: Analysis and synthesis of contributing factors

The emerging body of knowledge on the subject of construction industry development is of growing importance to developing and developed countries alike. Although research studies go back almost 50 years, at its current stage of development, our understanding is partial and tentative in a number of aspects, all of which are important to the various stakeholders concerned. In view of the dearth of systematic studies onto the nature of the construction industry, this study seeks to provide more certainty as to the key variables affecting the development of the industry. A secondary objective is to establish the generic factors, that is, the factors common to both developed and developing country construction industries, as well as those factors that distinguish between them. The approach adopted in moving toward this objective was three-fold. First was a series of in-depth interviews of industry experts using a semi-structured probing technique. The data collected in interviews was analysed using a grounded theory approach through coding and qualitative content analysis. Second was a review of the literature to confirm key factors and pick up emerging factors. Third was a web-based survey of construction practitioners/ researchers using a questionnaire developed from the previous two data collection procedures, that is the interviews and the literature. This quantitative data was analysed using the statistical technique of factor analysis in order to characterise the key factors important to the development of the industry, both currently and in the future. Arising from the study, it has been necessary to propose the theoretical construct of a generic construction industry, as well as a definition of it. The findings are that in developing the construction industry, eight key factors are currently active and having strength. In looking to the future, six key factors are important. All fourteen of these apply to both developing and developed countries but have differing strength. For any country's construction industry, the main difference lies in the emphasis on overseas support, and the extent to which its industry takes responsibility for its own improvement. The four main implications are first that the proposed generic framework of factors will help individual countries in moving from the current position towards the future development of the construction industry. Second, a broader definition will assist in a systemic and systematic view involving all key stakeholders. Third, the key generic factors can apply to all countries. Fourth, there needs to be a strong vision supported by a coherent strategy. This means a champion will need to lead change in the culture and image of the construction industry, and the impetus for change will need to move from external and government intervention to self-improvement and industry participants taking responsibility. Stakeholders both within and outside of the industry all have their roles to play. These include - construction clients, consultants, contractors, designers, educators/trainers, government officials, professional bodies, quasi-government officials, researchers, material suppliers, plant suppliers, construction lawyers, trades unions and information providers.