Exploring FM’s dominant logics
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the service ecosystem of facility/facilities management (FM) against the Vargo and Lusch framework of service-dominant logic (S-D Logic).
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical argument guided by previous research into service excellence in FM.
Findings
In the paper, two arguments are made. First, FM is still dominated by a contractual logic grounded in the tangible world of buildings and bills of quantities. Second, the reciprocal flow of services inherent in the S-D Logic offers a powerful tool for appreciating real service excellence and a business contribution from FM.
Research limitations/implications
The S-D Logic framework is theoretical but, it is argued, has profound implications for the practical delivery of FM and the addition of both business and social value.
Originality/value
The reciprocal flow of service (as recognition, involvement and development) to FM’s “shop-floor” staff – the actual fee earners – may be the cornerstone of the co-creation and partnership, much espoused but less frequently practiced.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Former colleagues, especially Tricia McCarroll and Xia Zhu, were inspirations for the ideas developed here as were members, too numerous to mention, of the EUROFM research community. Two reviewers offered contributions that greatly helped the final paper.
Citation
Price, I. (2018), "Exploring FM’s dominant logics", Facilities, Vol. 36 No. 1/2, pp. 37-48. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-01-2017-0005
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited