Social Considerations in the Procurement of Road and Railroad Projects in Sweden

Author: Agnes Lindell and Stefan Olander
Publisher: 10th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organization

ABOUT BOOK

Purpose Social sustainability is of increasing importance in societal development, which will affect the implementation of construction projects. The social responsibilities for both construction clients and suppliers will be an increasingly relevant part of their business processes. The objective of this study is to evaluate how the procurement process functions today with respect to social considerations. Design/Methodology/Approach The empirical data is based on interviews with procurement officials for each studied contract, together with official guidelines concerning social considerations and tender documents for each studied contract. Furthermore, the interviews addressed the level of knowledge that exists with procurement officials concerning social considerations in the procurement of road and railroad projects. Findings The results showed that there was a positive attitude towards social considerations in the procurement process and that there is a need in the construction sector to consider social issues to a higher degree. Research Limitations/Implications This study is based on six road and five railroad contracts within the Swedish Transport Administration as the client organization. Practical Implications It was evident that the level of knowledge with individual procurement officials concerning social issues is relatively low and needs to be increased. There is a perception that the management social considerations in construction procurement need to be clarified. Originality/Value Further research is needed to develop procedures, guidelines, routines and strategies for social considerations in procurement. Another important issue for further research is the development of routines to follow up social terms of contract during the implementation of the project.

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