A framework of leadership sustainability rating system (LSRS) for future construction project managers

  • Authors

    • Amin Akhavan Tabassi Universiti Sains Malaysia
    • Aldrin Abdullah Universiti Sains Malaysia
    • Maria Argyropoulou University of Liverpool
    • Kmanad M. Roufechaei Universiti Sains Malaysia
    • Rachel Argyropoulou University of Liverpool
    2018-11-14
    https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i4.21408
  • Project management, Sustainability, Leadership, Construction Industry, Malaysia.
  • The construction industry continues to be viewed as inevitable in encouraging societal, economic, and environmental improvements for development of sustainability in a world-wide context. The research on project management for green construction are mostly focused on project level. So far, there has been no framework for rating project leader’s competencies in the context of sustainable construction. The aim of this paper is to propose a framework for rating leaders’ competencies in integrating and promoting the sustainability practices when managing green construction projects. Based on a review on Sustainable Building Development, this study relates the dimensions of leadership with the Seen, Lean and Green sustainability concepts. As a result, an organizational-level Leadership Sustainability Rating System has been developed for the future of the industry. The approach revealed ten leadership competencies for sustainable leaders, and thirteen fundamental practices to be followed for sustainable development. The value of the framework lies in its ability to be used in parallel with the Sustainable Building Rating Systems offering thus a holistic method to examine the performance of the building from its early stages when leaders take technical and managerial decisions that require to be put in place and communicated to all project stakeholders.

     


  • References

    1. [1] Maliene, V.; Malys, N. High-quality housing, a key issue in delivering sustainable communities. Building and Environment 2009, 44, 426-430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2008.04.004.

      [2] Ofori, G. Leadership: A pivotal factor for sustainable development. Construction Information Quarterly 2008, 10, 67-72.

      [3] Tsai, C.Y.; Chang, A.S. Framework for developing construction sustainability items: The example of highway design. Journal of Cleaner Production 2012, 20, 127-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.08.009.

      [4] Tabassi, A.A.; Roufechaei, K.M.; Ramli, M.; Bakar, A.H.A.; Ismail, R.; Pakir, A.H.K. Leadership competences of sustainable construction project managers. Journal of Cleaner Production 2016, 124, 339-349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.02.076.

      [5] World energy outlook; International Energy Agency, available at: www.iea.org/about/copyright.asp: Paris, 2011.

      [6] Tabassi, A.A.; Ramli, M.; Bakar, A.H.A. Effects of training and motivation practices on teamwork improvement and task efficiency: The case of construction firms. International Journal of Project Management 2012, 30, 213-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2011.05.009.

      [7] Tabassi, A.A.; Roufechaei, K.M.; Bakar, A.H.A.; NorAini, Y. Linking team condition and team performance: A transformational leadership approach. Project Management Journal 2017, 48, 22-38. https://doi.org/10.1177/875697281704800203.

      [8] Northouse, P.G. Leadership: Theory and practice 4th ed.; SAGE Publications Thousand Oaks, California, 2007.

      [9] Purvanova, R.K.; Bono, J.E. Transformational leadership in context: Face-to-face and virtual teams. The Leadership Quarterly 2009, 20, 343-357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2009.03.004.

      [10] Human development report: Work for human development; the United Nations Development Programme: 2015.

      [11] PMI. A guide to the project management body of knowledge. 6th ed.; Project Management Institute, Inc.: Newtown Square, 2017.

      [12] Walker, H.; Jones, N. Sustainable supply chain management across the UK private sector. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal 2012, 17, 15-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598541211212177.

      [13] Meng, J.; Xue, B.; Liu, B.; Fang, N. Relationships between top managers' leadership and infrastructure sustainability: A Chinese urbanization perspective. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 2015, 22, 692-714. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-01-2014-0013.

      [14] Plessis, C.d. Towards a regenerative paradigm for the built environment. Building Research & Information 2012, 40, 7-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2012.628548.

      [15] Passmore, J.A. Man's responsibility for nature: Ecological problems and western tradition London, 1974. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2012.628548

      [16] Anink, D.; Boonstra, C.; Mak, J. Handbook of sustainable building. James & James Science Publishers: London, 1996.

      [17] Qian, Q.K.; Chan, E.H.W.; Khalid, A.G. Challenges in delivering green building projects: Unearthing the transaction costs (tcs). Sustainability 2015, 7, 3615-3636. https://doi.org/10.3390/su7043615.

      [18] Zhao, X.; Chang, T.; Hwang, B.-G.; Deng, X. Critical factors influencing business model innovation for sustainable buildings. Sustainability 2018, 10, 1-19.

      [19] Roufechaei, K.M.; Bakar, A.H.A.; Tabassi, A.A. Journal of Cleaner Production 2014, 65, 380-388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.09.015.

      [20] Lu, Y.; Zhang, X. Corporate sustainability for architecture engineering and construction (aec) organizations: Framework, transition and implication strategies. Ecological Indicators 2016, 61, 911-922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2015.10.046.

      [21] Melchert, L. The Dutch sustainable building policy: A model for developing countries? Building and Environment 2007, 42, 893-901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2005.10.007.

      [22] Nelms, C.; Russell, A.D.; Lence, B.J. Assessing the performance of sustainable technologies for building projects. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering 2005, 32, 114-128. https://doi.org/10.1139/l04-102.

      [23] Zhang, X.; Shen, L.; Wu, Y. Green strategy for gaining competitive advantage in housing development: A china study. Journal of Cleaner Production 2011, 19, 157-167 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2010.08.005.

      [24] Kubba, S. Chapter 2 - elements of green design and construction. In Green construction project management and cost oversight, Architectural Press: Boston, 2010; pp 28-70.

      [25] Pakir, A.H.K.; Tabassi, A.A.; Ramli, M.; Bakar, A.H.A.; Roufechaei, K.M. Sustainable housing development and leadership: A review. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 2012, 6, 385-395.

      [26] Alias, A.; Sin, T.K.; Aziz, W.N.A.W.A. The green home concept - acceptability and development problems. Journal of Building Performance 2010, 1, 130-139.

      [27] Stauskis, G. Green architecture paradigm: From urban utopia to modern methods of quality assessment. Science: Future of Lithuania 2013, 5, 181-188. https://doi.org/10.3846/mla.2013.34.

      [28] Berns, M.; Townend, A.; Khayat, Z.; Balagopal, B.; Reeves, M.; Hopkins, M.; Kruschwitz, N. The business of sustainability: Imperatives, advantages and actions. The Boston Consulting Group, Inc.: Boston, 2009.

      [29] Hargett, T.R.; Williams, M.F. Wilh. Wilhelmsen shipping company: Moving from CSR tradition to CSR leadership. Corporate Governance 2009, 9, 73-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/14720700910936074.

      [30] Lacy, P.; Arnott, J.; Lowitt, E. The challenge of integrating sustainability into talent and organization strategies: Investing in the knowledge, skills and attitudes to achieve high performance. Corporate Governance 2009, 9, 484-494. https://doi.org/10.1108/14720700910985025.

      [31] Stipo, F.J.F. A standard design process for sustainable design'. Procedia Computer Science 2015, 52, 746 - 753. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2015.05.121.

      [32] Sakikhales, M.H.; Stravoravdis, S. Using agile project management and bim for improved building performance. Springer International Publishing: 2017. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50346-2_5.

      [33] Zimmermann, M.; Althaus, H.J.; Haas, A. Benchmarks for sustainable construction a contribution to develop a standard. Energy and Buildings 2005, 37, 1147-1157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2005.06.017.

      [34] Hashim, H.; Ho, W.R. Renewable energy policies and initiatives for a sustainable energy future in Malaysia. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews 2011, 15, 4780–4787. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2011.07.073.

      [35] Li, T.; Zhu, M.; Yang, Z.; Song, J.; Dai, J., Yao, Y., ; Luo, W.; Pastel, G.; Yang, B.; Hu, L., A, 6, pp. 1601122. Wood composite as an energy efficient building material: Guided sunlight transmittance and effective thermal insulation. Advanced Energy Materials 2016, 6, 1601122. https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201601122.

      [36] Fallahtafti, R.; Mahdavinejad, M. Optimisation of building shape and orientation for better energy efficient architecture. International Journal of Energy Sector Management 2015, 9, 593-618. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-09-2014-0001.

      [37] Clark, C.; Adriaens, P.; Talbot, F.B. Green roof valuation: A probabilistic economic analysis of environmental benefits. Environmental Science & Technology 2008, 42, 2155-2161. https://doi.org/10.1021/es0706652.

      [38] Seghier, T.E.; Wah, L.W.; Ahmad, M.H.; Samuel, W.O. Building envelope thermal performance assessment using visual programming and bim, based on ettv requirement of green mark and greenre’. International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability 2017, 4, 227-235. https://doi.org/10.11113/ijbes.v4.n3.216.

      [39] Sheweka, S.; Magdy, N. The living walls as an approach for a healthy urban environment. Energy Procedia 2011, 6, 592–599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2011.05.068.

      [40] Menzies, G.F.; Wherrett, J.R. Windows in the workplace: Examining issues of environmental sustainability and occupant comfort in the selection of multi-glazed windows. Energy and Buildings 2005, 37, 623-630. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2004.09.012.

      [41] Gill, Z.M.; Tierney, M.J.; Pegg, I.M.; Allan, N. measured energy and water performance of an aspiring low energy/carbon affordable housing site in the uk. Energy and Buildings 2010, 43, 117-125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2010.08.025.

      [42] Monahan, J.; Powell, J.C. A comparison of the energy and carbon implications of new systems of energy provision in new build housing in the uk. Energy Policy 2010, 39, 290-298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2010.09.041.

      [43] Omer, A.M. Ground-source heat pumps systems and applications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2008, 12, 344-371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2006.10.003.

      [44] Knudstrup, M.A.; Hansen, H.T.R.; Brunsgaard, C. Approaches to the design of sustainable housing with low co2 emission in Denmark. Renewable Energy 2009, 34, 2007-2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2009.02.002.

      [45] Milton, S.; Kaufman, S. In Solar water heating as a climate protection strategy, Massachusetts: Green markets international, 2005; Massachusetts: Green markets international.

      [46] Masood, O.A.I.; Al-Hady, M.I.A.; Ali, A.K.M. applying the principles of green architecture for saving energy in buildings. Energy Procedia 2017, 115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2017.05.034.

      [47] Bilgen, S.U.; Keles, S.; Kaygusuz, A.; Sar, A.; Kaygusuz, K. Global warming and renewable energy sources for sustainable development: A case study in turkey. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2008, 12, 372-396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2006.07.016.

      [48] Whittington, H.W. Electricity generation: Options for reduction in carbon emissions philosophical transactions. Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 2002, 360, 1653-1668. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2002.1025.

      [49] Bahaj, A.S.; James, P.A.B. Urban energy generation: The added value of photovoltaics in social housing. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2007, 11, 2121-2136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2006.03.007.

      [50] Harvey, L.D. In A handbook on low-energy buildings and district- energy systems, London, 2006; London.

      [51] Tenorio, R. Enabling the hybrid use of air conditioning: A prototype on sustainable housing in tropical regions. Building and Environment 2007, 42, 605-613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2005.10.003.

      [52] Fontoynont, M. In Daylight performance of buildings, London: James & James, 1999; London: James & James.

      [53] Robichaud, L.; Anantatmula, V. Greening project management practices for sustainable construction. Journal of Management in Engineering 2011, 27, 48-57. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000030.

      [54] Bal, M.; Bryde, D.; Fearon, D.; Ochieng, E. Stakeholder engagement: Achieving sustainability in the construction sector. Sustainability 2013, 6, 695-710. https://doi.org/10.3390/su5020695.

      [55] Sollish, F.; Semanik, J.; Morris, P.W.G.; Pinto, J.K. Planning and administering project contracts and procurement. Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. 2011.

      [56] Johnson, P.F.; Flynn, A.E. Purchasing and supply management. 15th ed.; McGraw-Hill Higher Education: New York, 2015.

      [57] Kalubanga, M. Sustainable procurement: Concept, and practical implications for the procurement process. International Journal of Economics and Management Sciences 2012, 1, 1-7.

      [58] Guidelines for life cycle cost analysis; Stanford University Land and Buildings: October 2005, 2015.

      [59] Ochoa, L.; Hendrickson, C.; Matthews, H.S. Economic input-output life-cycle assessment of U.S. Residential buildings. Journal of Infrastructure Systems 2002, 8, 132-138. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1076-0342(2002)8:4(132).

      [60] AIA guide to building life cycle assessment in practice. The American Institute of Architects: New York, 2010.

      [61] Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 Available from: http://www.dbkl.gov.my/pskl2020/english/index.htm

      [62] McKay, J. Green assessment tools: The integration of building envelope durability. In 11th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology, Banff, Alberta, 2007.

      [63] Zhang, X.; Wu, Y.; Shen, L. Embedding "Green" In project-based organizations: The way ahead in the construction industry? Journal of Cleaner Production 2015, 107, 420-427. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.10.024.

      [64] Jabbour, C.; Santos, F.; Fonseca, S.; Nagano, M. Green teams: Understanding their roles in the environmental management of companies located in Brazil. Journal of Cleaner Production 2013, 46, 58-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.09.018.

      [65] Jehn, K.; Bendersky, C. Intragroup conflict in organizations: A contingency perspective on the conflict-outcome relationship. Research in Organizational Behavior 2003, 24, 187-242. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0191-3085(03)25005-X.

      [66] Jehn, K.; Mannix, E. The dynamic nature of conflict: A longitudinal study of intragroup conflict and group performance. Academy of Management Journal 2001, 44, 238-251.

      [67] Jehn, K.A. A multimethod examination of the benefits and detriments of intergroup conflict. Administrative Science Quarterly 1995, 40, 256-282. https://doi.org/10.2307/2393638.

      [68] De Dreu, C. Cooperative outcome interdependence, task reflexivity, and team effectiveness: A motivated information processing perspective. Journal of Applied Psychology 2007, 92, 628-638. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.92.3.628.

      [69] Tjosvold, D. The conflict-positive organization: It depends upon us. Journal of Organizational Behavior 2008, 29, 19-28. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.473.

      [70] Dulewicz, V.; Higgs, M. Assessing leadership styles and organisational context. Journal of Managerial Psychology 2005, 20, 105-123. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940510579759.

      [71] Müller, R.; Turner, R. Leadership competency profiles of successful project managers. International Journal of Project Management 2010, 28, 437-448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2009.09.003.

      [72] Yukl, G. Leadership in organizations. 5th ed.; Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 2002.

      [73] Bass, B.M. Leadership and performance beyond expectations, . Free Press: New York, NY, 1985.

      [74] Daft, R.L.; Pirola-Merlo, A. The leadership experience. Asia Pacific Edition 1 ed.; Cengage Learning Australia: South Melbourne, 2009.

      [75] Mancini, T.; Argyropoulou, M.; Argyropoulou, R. Performance management and supply chain management. In The Routledge companion to performance management and control, Harris, E.P., Ed. Abingdon: Routledge: 2018; pp 306-319.

      [76] Metcalf, L.; Benn, S. Leadership for sustainability: An evolution of leadership ability. Journal of Business Ethics 2013, 112, 369-384. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1278-6.

      [77] Zavadskas, E.K.; Antucheviciene, J.; Vilutiene, T.; Adeli, H. Sustainable decision-making in civil engineering, construction and building technology. Sustainability 2018, 10.

      [78] Deb, K.; Agrawal, S.; Pratab, A.; Meyarivan, T. In A fast elitist non- dominated sorting genetic algorithm for multi-objective optimization: Nsga-ii., Parallel Problem Solving from Nature VI Conference, France, 2000; France.

  • Downloads

  • How to Cite

    Akhavan Tabassi, A., Abdullah, A., Argyropoulou, M., M. Roufechaei, K., & Argyropoulou, R. (2018). A framework of leadership sustainability rating system (LSRS) for future construction project managers. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7(4), 4757-4765. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i4.21408