An investigation into the skills and competencies required of non-engineering built environment professionals in South Africa

Abstract

Sustaining reconstruction and development, on the scale designed by the South African government – in particular enhanced provision of infrastructure – will require adaptable, available and competent built environment professionals. This research report investigates the skills and competencies required of non-engineering built environment (NEBE) professionals, and evaluates the perceived disparity that exists between the level of importance given to each of the competencies required of NEBE professionals in South Africa today and the level of importance given to each of the competencies that have been published in literature as ideal for each profession. To achieve this study’s objectives, a questionnaire was developed using information from literature review and pre-test questionnaires administered to a select set of NEBE professionals. The questionnaires were completed by 58 professionals from a non-probability sample of NEBE professionals in Gauteng province of South Africa. Propositions relating to the objectives of the study were developed using the data obtained from the questionnaires. The study has established that: professionalism; leadership/management; solving problems; knowledge and practice of construction; and planning, design and supervision are the most significant core competencies currently required by NEBE professionals in South Africa. Furthermore, NEBE professions still lag behind in the development of Professionalism. It is advocated, therefore, that Professionalism should be encouraged and promoted at all levels amongst NEBE professions.