Perceptions on social value and its operationalisation for infrastructure delivery in Bahrain

Social value (SV) is gaining traction within the global sustainable development research, yet its operationalisation in infrastructure projects remains limited. This paper explores perceptions on SV and its operationalisation for Bahrain’s infrastructure projects, which is undergoing considerable infrastructure development aligning with its Economic Vision 2030. Using homogeneously purposive sampling, eight experienced infrastructure professionals from public and private sectors were interviewed for in-depth qualitative insights rather than broad generalisations. Thematic analysis with NVivo 12 revealed divergent perspectives: public participants frame SV within Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) during project appraisal, while private participants equate it with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), reflecting differing orientations of each sector and a fragmented approach to delivering SV. Key barriers to SV’s operationalisation in infrastructure projects in Bahrain include limited awareness and lack of guidance and legislative frameworks. The findings recommend establishing regulations, training programmes and learning from international practices to clarify SV’s conceptual and legislative vagueness and support its operationalisation. These insights offer actionable guidance for policymakers in developing SV policy and reforming procurement practices to operationalise SV in Bahrain, with broader relevance for Middle Eastern and developing countries.