British construction business 1700-2000: proactive innovation or reactive evolution?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the British construction sector c.1700-2000 and compare its “proactive” innovative development with “reactive” business evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative, interpretative, literature synthesis was used in this paper.

Findings

Each of the three centuries observed exhibits distinct construction business (CB) characteristics resulting mainly from exogenous influences, including: macroeconomic forces, demand volatility, supply chain and allied sectors’ evolvement, division of labour, competition and technological change. For most CB organisations, innovation was principally an exogenous influence vis-à-vis endogenous strategic intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study adds to a dearth of historical CB research and its documentation.

Practical implications

The evolvement of construction organisations will be of relevance to CB stakeholders.

Originality/value

Construction history is under-researched. Contrasting CB innovation and evolution is novel.

Citation

Holt, G.D. (2015), "British construction business 1700-2000: proactive innovation or reactive evolution?", Construction Innovation, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 258-277. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-02-2014-0016