Question: Do imperfect institutional forces contribute to the generation and persistence of waste in construction projects?
Purpose: The ultimate purposes of this paper are to: (1) Contribute to the understanding of waste in construction by suggesting a new perspective on the generation and persistence of waste in construction projects; and (2) Shed light on a number of regulations, norms and routines, which are taken for granted and impede efficiency and improvement efforts in construction.
Research Method: The analysis of this paper is based on a critical literature review of theories of lean thinking, waste in construction and organizational sociology, in addition to industry experience and observation of co-authors.
Findings: This paper establishes the significance of considering the influence of the institutional context on the generation and persistence of waste in construction.
Research Limitations: This paper is conceptual and makes a case for further empirical research using neo-institutional theory – a branch of organisational sociology.
Originality/Implications: The concept of 'institutional waste within construction' offered within this study is novel and has the potential to deliver a theoretical framework that can be used for the prescriptive causal analysis of waste in construction, existing at the organisational, commercial and institutional levels.
Value to practitioners: The institutional perspective offered within this study highlights to practitioners the importance of thinking systemically and structurally. It could also enable clients and decision makers to consider the impact of institutional factors on the way they procure construction projects, and thus their desired project outcomes
