Measuring Bourdieu Capitals of Landscape Architects In Malaysian Landscape Architecture Firms

Pierre Bourdieu (1986) introduced the concept of capitals as forms of intangible resources that individual use to advance their socio-economic status. Past relevant researches have not focused on all Bourdieu capitals. This study conceptualises the Bourdieu capitals to empirically determine the intangible resources of Malaysian leader landscape architects. The aim of this study is to determine the type of capitals of leader landscape architects in Malaysian landscape architecture firms. All landscape architecture firms (73 nos.) in the database of the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia were chosen for the survey. The firms were given the letter of invitation and questionnaires through the post. Thirty-nine firms responded to the invitation which resulted in 90 subordinates landscape architects and assistant landscape architects as respondents. The subordinates were asked to rate their leaders’ (landscape architects) capitals. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Factor analysis findings generated 5 factors (capitals). The capitals are social, human, emotional, cultural and design authority. The study findings provide evidence of the validity of scales to measure the intangible resources of the leading landscape architects in Malaysian landscape architecture firms. It also suggests a new research perspective for the Trait Theory of Leadership by replacing the traits with Bourdieu’s forms of capitals

BOURDIEU CAPITALS AND LEADERSHIP: THE CASE OF DESIGN CONSULTANT FIRMS’ MANAGERS IN THE MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The creative products of Malaysian design firms are critical for sustained competitiveness in the increasing globalised and local construction market. These products are derived from the collaborative efforts of the design leaders and their subordinates. Owner-managers of design firms are aware of the role of their leadership in increasing the productivity of their creativity workers. Knowledge of effective leadership traits has initially guided leadership development and sustainability. Later theories such as charismatic theories and leader-member exchange theories have a common theoretical paradigm of leader-follower relations. A novel approach to this leadership theoretical paradigm is replacing relevant leaders’ traits with Bourdieu capitals that effectively influence their followers. This paper reports the findings of interviews with subordinates in Malaysian architecture, civil engineering and landscape architecture consultant firms regarding the influence of the superior’s Bourdieu capitals upon their creativity. Qualitative thematic coding analysis of the interview transcripts generated the relevant Bourdieu capital categories and theme. The leader’s human, emotional, leadership, cultural and social capitals were found to influence the subordinate’s creativity motivation. The data indicate a common theme of followers’ creativity motivation through learning from leader’s superior human capital. The learning is aided by the leader’s emotional capital. Thus, Bourdieu capitals offer an innovative perspective in studying and possibly quantifying leaders’ influence upon their followers

Determination Factors of Roadside Tree Species Selection Model for Sustainable Smart City

This study aimed to determine the factors that are essential in developing Malaysian Roadside tree selection species model for a sustainable smart city. Two objectives have been formulated; (i) to identify the current practices in selecting roadside trees and (ii) to explore the factors affecting in developing roadside tree species model. The methodology used in the study is in-depth interviews and collecting archival data. Thirty of landscape architects and related expertise will be sorted by random sampling at Klang Valley area. The study emphasised the consideration of landscape, arboriculture, forestry and academician practices that consider the long-term benefits and impacts of planting roadside trees. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the factors that should be considered when selecting tree species for roadside planting in city areas. Fifteen (15) important factors has been identified that is size and growth habit, native and local species, adaptability, maintenance and requirements, wind resistance, non-invasive roots, canopy density, soil requirements, aesthetic value, wildlife support, cultural significance, stakeholder input, longevity, urban tolerance, pest and disease resistance. The results can be used to guide the related parties and promote sustainable development in cities

BOURDIEU CAPITALS AND LEADERSHIP: THE CASE OF DESIGN CONSULTANT FIRMS’ MANAGERS IN THE MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The creative products of Malaysian design firms are critical for sustained competitiveness in the increasing globalised and local construction market. These products are derived from the collaborative efforts of the design leaders and their subordinates. Owner-managers of design firms are aware of the role of their leadership in increasing the productivity of their creativity workers. Knowledge of effective leadership traits has initially guided leadership development and sustainability. Later theories such as charismatic theories and leader-member exchange theories have a common theoretical paradigm of leader-follower relations. A novel approach to this leadership theoretical paradigm is replacing relevant leaders’ traits with Bourdieu capitals that effectively influence their followers. This paper reports the findings of interviews with subordinates in Malaysian architecture, civil engineering and landscape architecture consultant firms regarding the influence of the superior’s Bourdieu capitals upon their creativity. Qualitative thematic coding analysis of the interview transcripts generated the relevant Bourdieu capital categories and theme. The leader’s human, emotional, leadership, cultural and social capitals were found to influence the subordinate’s creativity motivation. The data indicate a common theme of followers’ creativity motivation through learning from leader’s superior human capital. The learning is aided by the leader’s emotional capital. Thus, Bourdieu capitals offer an innovative perspective in studying and possibly quantifying leaders’ influence upon their followers