Criticizing the 'techniques of communication' approach: A response

A response is provided to the critique by Wild (2001) of Moore and Dainty’s research concerning teamworking in UK design and build (D&B) projects. The response covers two significant aspects of the critique. Firstly, a deconstruction of the concept of residual categories is presented. This is identified as a tool used in the study of problems within the field of economics, particularly macroeconomics. The application of such a tool to a problem of a socio-dynamic nature is critically questioned. Secondly, the suggested alternative emphasis on 'situations' is explored. This paper posits that a more appropriate perspective on the issue of the role and value of teams within projects can be found in a combination of D’Herbemont and Cesar’s development of the concept that project stakeholders can be identified as antagonists or allies to the project, and the work of Wenger and others on communities of practice. The paper also seeks to develop further suggestions flowing from the initial research through a consideration of the emerging issue of sapiential authority endowed on what are referred to by Banner and Gagne as knowledge workers.