Building a framework for dynamic organisational capabilities in design for safety (DfS) for Malaysian construction organisations

Purpose Despite the growing construction subject of Design for Safety (DfS) in Malaysia, little effort has been made to understand the construction organisational DfS capability in a dynamic environment. This study aims to propose a framework for dynamic DfS capabilities for construction organisations in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research methodology was used for this study. Data were gathered from three hundred and six (306) practitioners from diverse construction organisations, including government agencies, consultants, contractors and developers in Malaysia, using an online questionnaire survey during four online DfS webinars. Descriptive and inferential analysis, as well as content analysis techniques, were used to analyse the collected data. Findings Analysis of the survey data showed that all six key DfS organisational capability elements identified in the literature, which the respondents were required to assess, have a strong influence on determining the DfS capabilities of construction organisations. The elements ranked as most influential include DfS knowledge of the designer; DfS experience of the designer; Top management’s commitment to DfS; Design risk management; and Project review. Based on these findings, a framework for dynamic DfS organisational capabilities is proposed. This framework incorporates four essential capabilities – sensing, learning, integrating and coordinating – and is anchored by the aforementioned six key elements as foundational to deriving value from DfS practices. Practical implications The proposed DfS organisational capabilities framework will facilitate construction organisations’ focus on the dynamic environment while striving for successful DfS practice in construction projects. Originality/value This study extends the DfS literature in the construction context by providing deeper insights into the conceptualisation of dynamic DfS organisational capabilities where DfS regulatory framework is still evolving. This study also highlights organisations’ importance in perceiving and prioritising their abilities to sense changes, learn and internalise new competencies, integrate resources and coordinate activities, reflecting their unique strategic focuses and operational needs toward DfS practice.