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).
A theoretical argument guided by previous research into service excellence in FM.
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.
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.
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.
