Concerns among local government facility managers: a Norwegian survey

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate which concerns are most important for local government facility managers in Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze a survey dataset covering about two-thirds of all Norwegian local governments and 80 per cent of the Norwegian population. The authors consider both descriptive statistics and results from an ordered probit regression analysis.

Findings

Facility managers are most concerned about weak fiscal conditions and lack of political priority of facility management, and local governments reporting public buildings in good condition generally have fewer and less serious concerns. Further, managers in municipalities with a solid fiscal balance are less concerned both about how tight fiscal conditions and lack of political prioritization affect facility management. Managers in municipalities with a centralized facility management structure are less concerned that the organizational structure of the facility management is sub-optimal. Finally, managers in populous municipalities have less concern about tight fiscal conditions, organizational structure and recruitment issues.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights on which concerns are most important among local government facility managers and how these concerns vary with local government characteristics. These insights are valuable in the ongoing debate over best facility management practice and in facility management policy work.

Citation

Hopland, A.O. and Kvamsdal, S. (2018), "Concerns among local government facility managers: a Norwegian survey", Facilities, Vol. 36 No. 5/6, pp. 230-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-11-2016-0098