– This paper aims to study the British construction sector c.1700-2000 and compare its “proactive” innovative development with “reactive” business evolution.
– Qualitative, interpretative, literature synthesis was used in this paper.
– Each of the three centuries observed exhibits distinct construction business (CB) characteristics resulting mainly from exogenous influences, including: macroeconomic forces, demand volatility, supply chain and allied sectors’ evolvement, division of labour, competition and technological change. For most CB organisations, innovation was principally an exogenous influence vis-à-vis endogenous strategic intention.
– The study adds to a dearth of historical CB research and its documentation.
– The evolvement of construction organisations will be of relevance to CB stakeholders.
– Construction history is under-researched. Contrasting CB innovation and evolution is novel.
