Research and Theory Building in Construction Management

Abstract

Research in construction management is at an important juncture. Construction scholars are establishing research streams that are complimentary but distinct from architecture and engineering. The applied nature of construction research has put an emphasis on normative research. This has resulted in the lack of a solid foundation of descriptive research that can support theory building. This paper proposes that management research, due to its catholic nature, offers an appropriate reference discipline for construction. It presents an integrated model for construction research and theory development that results from the experiences of management researchers. Lastly it concludes with the development of an empirically developed taxonomy of management types that crosses functional barriers and demonstrates the validity of the model. The paper suggests and the study demonstrates that a process that builds on theory and that employs approaches from management research holds significant promise for research in construction management.