Factors influencing the development of Hong Kong’s construction industry : a qualitative study

Abstract

Construction industry development has drawn attention for decades. However, there have been very few conceptual models which provide theoretical constructs to the knowledge base of construction industry development. The research on which this paper is based, aimed to validate a generic model developed by Fox (2003a) for the development of international construction by using Hong Kong’s construction industry as a case study. Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in Hong Kong’s construction industry were conducted. Stakeholders included construction clients, consultants, contractors, designers, educators/trainers, government officials, professional bodies, quasi-government officials, researchers, material and plant suppliers, construction lawyers, trades unions, and politicians. Results indicate that the factors influencing the industry are largely in line with Fox’s generic model and that cultural factors are particularly important. These findings are not only relevant to the development of the construction industry in Hong Kong but also to the industry worldwide