ABSTRACT
This paper is derived from initial, on-going research into cultural issues which impact on the provision of quality during the construction phase of projects. Current trends in seeking quality in construction projects are advancing in focus from Quality Assurance under ISO 9000/BS 5750 to Total Quality Management. However, as Japanese industry demonstrates, provision of Quality requires continuous improvements grounded in culture and founded on practices conducive to such changes. The research investigates progress towards the development of a ‘Culture of Quality’ in construction firms. Formal questionnaires, interviews and participant observation are employed. The methods are, necessarily, intensive to facilitate comprehension of how beliefs, value structures and practices of personnel affect the form of and extent to which a Culture of Quality is developing. Case study projects provide live, longitudinal data for examination of the situations and elements of changes. Results (are intended to) demonstrate consequences of qualityoriented changes, to whom such consequences accrue and highlight areas and mechanisms for potential improvement.
