Teamwork in facilities management

Abstract

Teamwork is essential to Facilities Management (FM) organisations due to the presence of various parties and multi-functional nature. However, there is a lack of published researches on teamwork with regards to FM. The consideration given in literature in discussing ways to adopt the concept of teamwork in FM was very insignificant. Therefore, the research question formulated was; “how the concept of teamwork can be adapted to FM in Sri Lankan Real Estate and Development sector?” The ultimate aim of the study was to develop a guide for teamwork by understanding the nature of teamwork in FM. The research question was approached through case study research method using three cases in the Real Estate and Development sector of Sri Lanka. Semi structured interviews were conducted with FM practitioners of the selected cases. The findings asserted that the ideal team concept in general management does not go with FM team. Instead, the composition of FM team required to be flexible depending on several factors, namely; task, method of performance, facility type and size. However, few key members, who were common to any FM team, were recognised in the research as well. Further, specific requirements of teamwork in FM were identified. Based on findings, a guide for teamwork in FM in Sri Lankan Real Estate and Development sector was developed. This will be useful to FM practitioners who operate in similar contexts.