Brooks, T; Gunning, J G; Spillane, J P and Cole, J (2021) Regulatory decoupling and the effectiveness of the ISO 9001 quality management system in the construction sector in the UK–a case study analysis. Construction Management and Economics, 39(12), pp. 988-1005. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
Construction quality defects are a widespread and recurrent industry problem; the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) has been proposed as a tool to improve construction quality. It is one of the most widely adopted management systems worldwide and is a prerequisite for many construction tenders. Institutional theory uses the concept of regulatory decoupling to probe “performative” implementation of a standard or regulation; this theory has not to date been applied to ISO 9001 QMS implementation in the construction industry. In this context, the aim of this research is to investigate the extent of regulatory decoupling and its impact on the effectiveness of implementation of the ISO 9001 QMS in 3 case study construction organizations. 34 interviews are undertaken across three case study organizations and analyzed using an abductive grounded theory approach. In all three case study organizations, regulatory decoupling between the operation of the companies and their ISO 9001 system is taking place. Disconnection of the QMS to quality “on the ground” is evident. A model showing factors that foster regulatory decoupling is produced. The picture of compliance is complex and continually evolving. The study concludes with recommendations for industry to reconnect QMS systems to site operation and management.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | iso 9001; quality management; regulatory decoupling |
| Index terms: | construction quality, construction sector, regulation, decoupling, management system, interview, compliance, ISO, implementation, construction industry, quality management, effectiveness, site operation, quality management system, grounded theory, case study, institutional theory, construction organization |
| Subjects: | contractual arrangements, project delivery, standards development, operations management, data collection methods, organization, industry analysis, political science, systems engineering, quality assurance, sociology, health safety and environment, management, theoretical framing, performance management |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Site Management, Organizational Design, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Governance, Procurement |
| 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