Defining the Key ‘Professional Development Skills’ of Construction Managers from Influential UK Construction Organizations

9 pages•Published: May 26, 2024

Abstract

This research presents a profile of the sought-after competencies of construction managers in leading United Kingdom (UK) construction organizations. In doing so, the work contextualizes the construction organizations influence in terms of revenue and employability; conducts a textual analysis of interpersonal and technical competencies from construction manager job advertisements to ascertain the specific competencies desired by construction organizations; and provides a ranking of said competencies to establish a competencies hierarchy in order to inform curriculum development processes.
Research findings demonstrate that interpersonal competencies have around 70% importance within the role of construction manager. There exists; however, a prevalent vernacular imprecision within the job advertisements about the specific technical competencies for the role exist. Specifically, the lack of digital-esque skills is profound. Thus, a misalignment is present between current educational provision and industry practice regarding the core foundational competencies required of the construction management profession.
This research constitutes an attempt to conduct a textual analysis of descriptive metadata contained within construction manager job advertisements from leading UK construction organizations. Emergent findings revealed specific competencies that are essential to the core of the modern construction manager’s role.

Keyphrases: communication, interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, textual analysis

In: Tom Leathem, Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud (editors). Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, vol 5, pages 238-246.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/K18b
	https://doi.org/10.29007/31k5