Power in Megaproject Decision-making : A Governmentality Approach

This research-based book critically examines the complex interplay of power relations in decision-making in megaprojects. This book is tailored for academics, students, practitioners, clients, and policymakers and addresses a significant gap in understanding how formal and informal power influences decision-making.

Through applying governmentality theory and narrative inquiry from thirty-nine interviews, this book presents over sixty-five detailed stories offering a series of real-life narratives that expose the diverse forms of power at play in megaprojects. The stories reveal how deviations from norms can significantly impact project outcomes. This book uncovers the complex web of power relations, institutional norms, and individual actions driving decisions.

This book provides a framework illustrating four behavioural contexts, entrepreneurial, box-ticking, deception, and recklessness, as manifestations of megaproject decision-making, providing readers with a tool to understand and navigate the intricate power dynamics in megaprojects.

Readers will benefit from practical insights and strategies for fostering conducive decision-making environments, tailoring interventions to promote constructive behaviours, and mitigating harmful actions. This book is a resource for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of megaproject management in the context of power relations, shaping their decision-making leading to success.

Dr Jessica Siva is a Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Built Environment. Jessica recently completed her PhD, which examined the governmentality of megaproject decision-making environment. Her work into megaproject decision-making has been awarded various awards and prizes. She has worked on various nationally-funded research projects and has over 50 research publications in the areas of client management and governance, megaproject governance and decision-making, design management, international collaborative practice, government supply chain management, human capital, sustainable urban development decision-making policy, process and practice.

Dr Thayaparan Gajendran is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and Built Environment. He is Assistant Dean – Education in the College of Engineering, Science and Environment (Acting). He is a recognised leader in the field of ‘sociological analysis of organisations and communities in the context of building resilience’. His research focuses on developing evidence-based practices and policies for building resilience at the complex intersections in the governance of communities and organisations. He has studied the interactions between the different stakeholders in both ‘post disaster reconstruction settings’ and ‘disaster preparedness initiatives’ with the view of improving practice and informing policy. He has published numerous research articles and reports.