Modern Methods of Construction requires Modern Social Value thinking
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Abstract
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are increasingly promoted as a solution to long-standing construction industry productivity and efficiency challenges through industrialised, off-site and centralised production processes. At the same time Social Value (SV) practices are being increasingly adopted by contractors to address both the perceived anti-social nature of the industry and increase procurement success. Both concepts have grown in importance within the construction industry. However, whilst SV policies focus on hyper-local socioeconomic community benefits. The problem exists that rather than align, at present the local nature of SV and centralised focus of MMC compete, contradict, and in some cases, serve to undermine one another. The contradicting natures of these concepts creates a tension that is yet to be explored. This research addresses this gap in knowledge to understand how this tension can be resolved for the benefit of both concepts. Interviews with 20 industry practitioners are undertaken utilising the theoretical lens of legitimacy theory to understand practitioner action. The findings reveal both SV and MMC serve as reciprocal barriers to one another’s development. Yet the research indicates that both concepts could compliment and support one another if a Modern Social Value (MSV) approach is adopted. This is an innovative centralised approach to SV creation and moves away from the current devolved system of SV delivery. This research provides a substantial original contribution to an increasingly significant international problem in the reconciliation of two seemingly disparate yet intertwined concepts.
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