Towards Critical Realism in Cost Overrun Research

Abstract

Construction management, as an emergent field of research, is yet to have a recognized methodological orientation, characteristic of other more established domains, and therefore builds on the traditional philosophical assumptions of related natural and social science research. The term “Methodological pluralism,” has thus been used to describe the use of a multiplicity of philosophies and methods, compatible with the study of construction phenomena. This study narrows down the philosophical argument in construction management to within the specific domain of cost overrun research, to systematically articulate the shortcomings in the methodological/philosophical tradition embraced by previous studies. Empirical profiling of cost overrun research reveals the predominance of mono-method studies based on questionnaire survey methods, correlative analysis, and archival data modeling techniques, all of which are underlain by positivism. The study argues that such positivist philosophies, although methodologically valid, cannot adequately explain and provide an in-depth understanding of the contextual drivers in construction organizations, that trigger the more tangible technical constructs, leading to the phenomena of cost growth in projects. Joining in the chorus call for methodological pluralism in construction industry research, this study makes a case for critical realism specifically in the context of cost overrun research.