Culture is an all-pervading construct of human existence but its conceptualization is contested. As such, it is problematic to define or measure culture as different paradigms adopt radically different approaches. Emic approaches are, essentially, inward-looking and, via a constructivist...

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the impact of leadership style and team context on structural and psychological empowerment perceptions in project teams. Design/methodology/approach – It was posited that span of control and within team interdependence will positively and significantly...

Purpose – This paper proposes a conceptual framework underpinning the conflicting key elements in analyzing sustainable development (SD) of real estate property and the environment. Design/methodology/approach – The key elements in the framework are the economic, the socio‐environment, the...

This paper presents an analysis of a familiar aspect of construction industry culture that we have dubbed 'the claims culture'. This is a culture of contract administration that lays a strong emphasis on the planning and management of claims. The principal elements of the analysis are two sets...

Understanding the individual's collectivistic orientations toward group goals and task activities is critical for developing cooperative and productive teams. The complex environment of modern construction, where the emphasis shifts from individually oriented to team-based work, has led to many...

The concept of leadership inevitably concerns power structuring in which power is distributed unevenly between individuals. Indeed, leadership styles are closely associated with power distribution and its exercise. Power, in its diverse guises, combines inter-personal and structural elements and...

The realization of construction projects brings together a diversity of individuals and organizations, variously forged into groups and teams, in which power is important in shaping leader/follower behaviour. Quantity surveyors, being primarily project cost consultants and...

Claims by contractors for additional payments have been identified by commentators as a major source of difficulty in the industry. Ethnographic research with industry members reveals some key features of planning practices that underlie such events. Claims are sometimes planned at tender stage...

Purpose – This paper sets out to explore the concepts involved in sustainability by investigating the basic meanings of the terms, the primary principles involved and their application to practices of development. Design/methodology/approach – A perspective founded in natural science is...