Characteristics of Global Architectural Firms
No Thumbnail Available
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract
Description
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to investigate the factors which discriminate
between local and global architectural firms in Nigeria. The rationale was to
examine how the globalization process differs in Nigeria and contribute to the
discourse on globalization.
Design/methodology/approach – The research is quantitative, using discriminant
analysis to differentiate the global architectural firms from the local ones. The
study used a random sample of 92 architectural firms in Nigeria, examining
various characteristics of the firms through a questionnaire.
Findings – There was a strong distinction between global and local firms.
Compared to the local architectural firms, the global firms were larger, and
mostly run by sole principals who were more experienced. The internet was
used more to communicate with other professionals, but less to communicate
with clients and in designing and drafting. The global firms also placed higher
value on developing expertise in specific building types.
Research limitations/implications – Data are obtained from architectural firms in
Nigeria only. The results suggest that global architectural firms are peculiar and
exhibit certain characteristics which further differentiate them from local ones.
Practical implications – The implications for architectural firms seeking to
operate globally include building size advantage, building expertise in specific
specializations, having principals with high level experience and employing
alliances with other professionals in operating internationally.
Originality/value – This paper adds to the body of knowledge on architectural
firms which are under-researched. The importance of this paper lies in its
empirical nature in investigating the characteristics of global architectural firms
using a sample of architectural firms in Nigeria.
Keywords
NA Architecture