Theoretical Framework of Social Value in Construction Employment
- Publisher:
- Association of Researchers in Construction Management
- Publication Type:
- Conference Proceeding
- Citation:
- http://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/archive/2020-Indexed-Papers.pdf, 2020, 1, (1), pp. 45-54
- Issue Date:
- 2020-09-09
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Construction companies are increasingly being required to demonstrate the social
value they create when tendering for projects for both public and socially responsible
private sector clients. However, the concept of social value remains theoretically
under-developed and there are many unanswered questions about how to define and
measure it. Addressing these gaps, the aim of this empirical paper is to present a new
theory of social value grounded in Meinong’s (1894) Value Theory and in the context
of social procurement practices in the Australian construction industry. We test this
theory using a survey of 61 construction workers in Australia, showing that
construction companies create social value when they provide employment that
promotes 'work benefits' and 'culture benefits. Critical work benefits include
adequate training; autonomy; and fair remuneration. Critical culture benefits include
fostering good quality working relationships; promoting employees' autonomy and
personal identity and values; and high levels of engagement with local communities
and workers. It is concluded that other researchers should test or develop this theory
in other settings to explore geographical or cultural variables in other countries.
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