Development of a values-based framework for predicting project sustainability performance

Construction projects are subject to scrutiny in terms of sustainability performance, for example, on environmental issues and social matters. However, the reasons which underpin why one project outperforms another do not seem to be well-articulated in literature – possibly because projects are deemed to be unique and hence incomparable. For instance, decisions which lead to better or worse sustainability performance are arguably determined by the individual values of actors, as played out in a project context. If values are a predictor of attitudes and behaviours of individuals, then it is feasible that they also guide behaviour at the organisational (and project) level. Drawing on values theory, a preliminary framework has been developed to capture and assess individuals’ personal values, within a project (organisational) context, to understand the likely implications on sustainability performance. The framework, developed from a literature review, aims to create a means by which it is possible to predict the sustainability performance of a project, and improve this through approaches that are more empathetic to individuals’ values (for example, by configuring and managing teams differently). By so doing, this may help project teams to achieve higher standards of environmental and social performance in practice.