Short answer
When designing procurement frameworks for large projects, incorporate mechanisms for developing tailored social responsibility clauses that account for the specific needs and priorities of all stakeholders involved.
- Field
- Innovation & Markets
- Source
- International Journal of Procurement Management (2023)
- Method
- Mixed-methods survey research
- Sample
- All consultants and contractors awarded highway construction contracts in Northern Ireland (with one non-response)
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Tailoring social responsibility clauses in highway construction contracts, rather than relying on standardized government mandates, leads to more significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outcomes. This innovation & markets research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in International Journal of Procurement Management. Using Mixed-methods survey research with All consultants and contractors awarded highway construction contracts in Northern Ireland (with one non-response), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing procurement frameworks for large projects, incorporate mechanisms for developing tailored social responsibility clauses that account for the specific needs and priorities of all stakeholders involved.
Bespoke Social Clauses in Highway Procurement Drive Greater CSR Impact
Tailoring social responsibility clauses in highway construction contracts, rather than relying on standardized government mandates, leads to more significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outcomes.
International Journal of Procurement Management · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Government-mandated social clauses had a limited effect on decarbonisation.
- 02Differences in priorities exist between consultants and contractors regarding CSR clauses.
- 03Bespoke CSR clauses are required to address these differing priorities.
- 04Existing positive CSR practices in highway construction should be retained.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing procurement frameworks for large projects, incorporate mechanisms for developing tailored social responsibility clauses that account for the specific needs and priorities of all stakeholders involved.
How to apply
When developing tender documents for infrastructure projects, include a process for co-creating social clauses with potential bidders, or at least segmenting clauses based on stakeholder roles (e.g., consultant vs. contractor).
Project actions
- 01When researching procurement, consider how different stakeholders might view the same requirements.
- 02Explore how 'social clauses' can be made more specific to a particular project or industry.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +High response rate from target population.
- +Addresses a relatively under-researched area (social clauses in highway procurement).
Limitations
The study's findings are specific to highway construction in Northern Ireland and may not apply universally. The measurement of 'impact' is largely based on perceptions.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliability is supported by a high response rate from a defined population. Validity is enhanced by using both quantitative and qualitative data, and a case study, to triangulate findings.
Think critically
How might the 'decarbonisation agenda' be more effectively integrated into highway construction procurement beyond social clauses?
Design Principles
"Procurement strategies should be adaptive and stakeholder-informed to maximize the effectiveness of social and environmental objectives."
This research highlights a critical gap in how sustainability goals, particularly decarbonisation, are integrated into large-scale infrastructure projects. By understanding the differing priorities of consultants and contractors, designers can develop more effective procurement strategies that genuinely advance CSR objectives.
What This Means for Your Design
Making social rules for building roads more specific to the people doing the work (like builders and designers) helps them do a better job of being responsible to society and the environment, compared to just having general rules.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the effectiveness of procurement strategies and the importance of stakeholder consultation in achieving CSR goals within your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that standardized social clauses in procurement often have a limited impact on achieving broader CSR and decarbonisation goals. A study on highway construction found that differences in priorities between consultants and contractors necessitate the development of bespoke social clauses to effectively drive desired outcomes, suggesting that procurement strategies should be tailored to stakeholder perspectives for greater efficacy.
Source
International Journal of Procurement Management
Sustainable procurement: social clauses and CSR impacts from a highway perspective
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about bespoke social clauses in highway procurement drive greater csr impact?
- When designing procurement frameworks for large projects, incorporate mechanisms for developing tailored social responsibility clauses that account for the specific needs and priorities of all stakeholders involved. Evidence: International Journal of Procurement Management (2023).
- Why does "Bespoke Social Clauses in Highway Procurement Drive Greater CSR Impact" matter for design?
- This research highlights a critical gap in how sustainability goals, particularly decarbonisation, are integrated into large-scale infrastructure projects. By understanding the differing priorities of consultants and contractors, designers can develop more effective procurement strategies that genuinely advance CSR objectives.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing procurement frameworks for large projects, incorporate mechanisms for developing tailored social responsibility clauses that account for the specific needs and priorities of all stakeholders involved.
- What were the main findings?
- Government-mandated social clauses had a limited effect on decarbonisation.. Differences in priorities exist between consultants and contractors regarding CSR clauses.. Bespoke CSR clauses are required to address these differing priorities.. Existing positive CSR practices in highway construction should be retained.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods survey research with All consultants and contractors awarded highway construction contracts in Northern Ireland (with one non-response).
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from International Journal of Procurement Management.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing tender documents for infrastructure projects, include a process for co-creating social clauses with potential bidders, or at least segmenting clauses based on stakeholder roles (e.g., consultant vs. contractor).
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on Northern Ireland, and findings may not be directly generalizable to all regions or types of construction projects. The 'effect' of clauses was primarily assessed through perceived impact rather than direct measurement of decarbonisation metrics.