A conceptual framework for the development of quality culture in the construction industry

The construction industry is being viewed as one with poor quality emphasis compared to other sectors like the manufacturing and service sectors. Many criticisms have been directed to the construction industry for generally shoddy workmanship. This is mainly the result of the industry’s failure to achieve the expected performance level in delivering its finished product and its customer service. Total quality management (TQM) is increasingly being adopted by construction companies as an initiative to solve quality problems in the construction industry and to meet the needs of the customer. However, construction firms have been continually struggling with its implementation. Cultural change is being recognised as an important aspect of total quality development. However, the issue surrounding quality culture and their development has not been comprehensively studied. Based on literature review, this paper discusses the issue of quality culture and a conceptual framework for the development of quality culture in construction industry.