Clearing the Fog: Demystifying Value and Values in Lean Construction

Abstract

Question: In the context of Lean Construction, how can the concepts of ‘value’ and ‘values’ be distinctly defined and differentiated? Purpose: The concept of value is a cornerstone in Lean Construction, yet its understanding is often muddled among scholars and practitioners, partially due to the conflation of ‘value’ (singular) with ‘values’ (plural). These two terms, while interconnected, represent distinct concepts. This paper seeks to demystify and differentiate between ‘value’ and ‘values,’ clarifying their individual meanings and interrelationship. The paper aims to establish a clear, shared understanding of these fundamental concepts within the Lean Construction community through detailed explanations and practical illustrations. Research Method: Conceptual research Findings: The research clearly distinguishes between ‘values’ and ‘value’. Values encompass beliefs about what is important in life and how one should behave, while value is the outcome of an evaluative judgment of an object’s worth. How someone judges the value of an object is dependent on their values, knowledge, and the context they find themselves in. Limitations: While pertinent to the realm of projects and corporate contexts, the paper does not deeply explore values and values within these settings. Rather, it chooses to elucidate these concepts at the personal level to make them more understandable. Implications: This paper highlights the need for precise use of ‘value’ and ‘values’ in research and practice. Clear differentiation of these terms is key to avoiding confusion and ensuring effective decision-making and communication in construction projects. The paper advocates for careful terminology use to improve project outcomes and academic clarity. Value for practitioners: The introduced and explained terminology in this paper will aid in articulating the desired value in projects. Keywords: Lean Construction, value, values, terminology Paper type: Full Paper