Abstract
Architects form part of multidisciplinary teams in the construction of the built environment.
Traditionally they have played a leading role within the construction process, often managing
entire projects to completion. In recent years the composition of construction teams have
evolved, leading to a perception that the architects leadership role has been diminished. Little
is known about the boundary-spanning leadership required by architects, particularly in the
light of the evolving roles. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, this research reduces
this gap by exploring architect’s leadership practices in the context of changing boundaries
within the construction team. Our findings reveal six specific competencies deemed important
by architects for boundary-spanning leadership. Furthermore, the key findings indicate that
there is a need, and an appetite for, enhanced leadership education and training in the sector
which may contribute to preventing further erosion of their leadership role within boundary spanning teams.
Traditionally they have played a leading role within the construction process, often managing
entire projects to completion. In recent years the composition of construction teams have
evolved, leading to a perception that the architects leadership role has been diminished. Little
is known about the boundary-spanning leadership required by architects, particularly in the
light of the evolving roles. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, this research reduces
this gap by exploring architect’s leadership practices in the context of changing boundaries
within the construction team. Our findings reveal six specific competencies deemed important
by architects for boundary-spanning leadership. Furthermore, the key findings indicate that
there is a need, and an appetite for, enhanced leadership education and training in the sector
which may contribute to preventing further erosion of their leadership role within boundary spanning teams.
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 31 Aug 2025 |
| Event | British Academy of Management Conference - Kent Business School, Kent, United Kingdom Duration: 3 Sep 2025 → 5 Sep 2025 https://www.bam.ac.uk/events-landing/2025-conference.html |
Conference
| Conference | British Academy of Management Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Kent |
| Period | 3/09/25 → 5/09/25 |
| Internet address |