Social research in construction is an important but often under-appreciated aspect of the industry. Since it involves a combination of traditional construction research methods with human research from the social sciences, below we present an overview of our services in social research in the construction industry:
- Challenges and opportunities: The relationship between the social sciences and construction project management has been described as “complicated and underutilized” as the industry is often slow to adopt social research methods. However, there is growing recognition of the need to consider the human and organizational factors that influence the success of construction projects, opening opportunities for more meaningful integration of social science research. Gradually, understanding the impact of policies, projects and programs on individuals, communities, societies and service users becomes central to the project life cycle. More than ever before, evidence underpinning the decision-making process is an essential element of project design for Investors to understand the social impact of their initiatives on the wider community.
- Value and importance of social research: Social research in construction offers a valuable opportunity for Investors to improve the performance of their business and contribute to transformative change in the industry. It helps decision makers and leaders understand the current state of the industry, identify potential risks and opportunities, and plan for a more sustainable and innovative future. Social research is not just an academic pursuit, but is a powerful catalyst for promoting technological innovation, efficiency, sustainability and safety in construction.
- Our integration of social science approaches: Our social science research methods, such as surveys, interviews and ethnographic studies, combine with traditional building research methods in the construction industry. This interdisciplinary approach allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the human and social aspects of construction, while complementing the technical and engineering aspects. In our research we check such aspects as:
- Is this a major project that impacts other important functions of society?
- What kind of interaction will there be with different sectors of society and how important or significant will it be?
- Could the implementation of this project have different impacts on different segments of society?
- Is this an area where there are social, economic or community problems unknown before the project began? And how will the new project affect them?
- Does the project affect service users or the wider community?
- Is the project in an area that already has specific targets on other social issues (such as deprivation, health, regeneration, equality or community resources)?
- Will the construction project affect the work of other organizations?
- Social constructionist perspective: Our social constructionist approach to research views knowledge and reality as collectively constructed through language and coordinated action, rather than existing as an objective external truth. With this given perspective, we challenge the traditional modernist view of research and propose a more relational and flexible approach to understanding the construction industry and its practices.
By integrating these interdisciplinary approaches across the construction industry, we can gain greater understanding, stimulate innovation and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.
To find out more, please contact us at info@ek-innovative.com to receive information from experts competent in the respective field.