Siva, J and Gajendran, T (2023) The hidden barriers to social value delivery in megaprojects: Investigating the decision-making environment. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 13(4), pp. 610-628. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: Megaprojects are seen as vehicles for delivering significant social value. However, megaproject decision-making, which is deeply embedded in networks comprising formal and informal practices involving the exercise of power, can facilitate or hinder social value delivery. Moreover, these decision-making practices are often intentionally designed and executed to remain hidden and so are not easily identifiable but have implications for maximising social value. This paper aims to identify the hidden barriers to social value delivery on megaprojects resulting from the decision-making environment. Design/methodology/approach: Governmentality theory was used to deconstruct the megaproject decision-making environment. The critical realism philosophy was merged with a narrative inquiry approach to analyse the everyday, taken-for-granted practices that resulted in the decision-making outcomes. Data were collected through 22 in-depth semi-structured interviews to uncover stories highlighting the nature of power relations underpinning the decision-making environment of one megaproject in the Asia Pacific region. Findings: Governmentality theory as a lens showed that emergent, informal governing practices blend with formal governance mechanisms, creating a complex mix of overt and covert power dynamics. The findings suggest that the exercise of covert power by project team members through deviant tactics hinders social value delivery. Therefore, understanding the power dynamics that influence the decision-making of project team members is key for maximising social value delivery. Originality/value: Originality stems from the use of governmentality theory and critical realism to deconstruct and explain the megaproject decision-making environment, enabling observation of otherwise challenging-to-understand, complex and hidden barriers to the delivery of social value. This paper offers a novel way of explaining social value delivery through megaproject decision-making.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | decision-making; governmentality theory; megaprojects; power; project governance; social value delivery |
| Index terms: | Asia-Pacific, philosophy, critical realism, interview, governance, exercise, megaproject, project team, methodology, decision-making, narrative, dynamics, governmentality, social value |
| Subjects: | theoretical framing, physical geography and landforms, research methods, qualitative and interpretive research, decision analysis, sociology, philosophical studies, systems engineering, government bodies, data collection methods, business, health behaviours and lifestyles, strategic project management, project delivery |
| Topics: | Urban Studies, Governance, Risk Management, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Health and Safety |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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