“History is bunk”: Considerations on the future of FM

Grimshaw, Bob

Abstract

Purpose – The last 25 years have seen facilities management established as an internationally recognised and valued function. However, the organisational changes that created the original demand for FM services are accelerating and will ensure that it will need to constantly adapt itself to new demands if it is to thrive. This article seeks to examine the nature of these forces and their likely impact on FM futures. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on a number of studies on flexible working carried out at UWE under the auspices of the “facilities innovation programme” with Johnson Controls. Findings – The paper predicts a shift away from physical facilities as the focus for FM to a much more people-centred logistics approach to supporting work across organisational networks. Practical implications – The paper provides much food for thought for practising FMs about the shape of their future and the forces that will drive it. Originality/value – By scanning across the whole landscape of FM the paper emphasises the complexity and fluidity of FM futures. © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 28, 2007
• Journal: Facilities
• Print ISSN: 0263-2772
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 11-12
• Pages: 411-417
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/02632770710822526
• Keywords: history
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1024424
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/02632770710822526
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This paper was an invited contribution to the 25th Anniversary Edition of Facilities. It draws on research carried out between 2002 and 2006 in the Facilities Innovation Programme, a collaborative venture between UWE and Johnson Controls.