Introduction

Social media is gaining prominence in almost every industry, it is no different in the construction
industry, even though the adoption rate is lower. Social media needs no introduction as most people in
this day an age already has seen its influence over their lives. These social networking sites help
people connect with each other and share experiences online. Common types of social media being
used in the business field are blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook (RICS 2019).
Critical evaluation
Here, we discuss the roles of a quantity surveyor and social media influences associated with them.
Many construction firms utilize instant messaging applications for work purposes, as it is the easiest
to learn and readily available software on portable devices. Firms often use private chatrooms to
forward important information that can assist the project team to achieve their goals on time. The
most commonly seen applications are WhatsApp and Facebook’s Messenger app. Quantity Surveyors
can use these applications to exchange photos of construction sites to facilitate better collaboration
since not everyone in the project team will frequent the construction site (Obaga 2013). Other vital
data that can be exchanged to provide real-time information for the project team are design drawings,
construction schedules, contract documents and regulatory documents. It is a simple and direct
solution for quantity surveyors to relay information without having to make frequent trips or send
cumbersome emails.
Quantity surveyors have also been observed to use Facebook groups, Twitter and LinkedIn to discuss
relevant matters within the industry. These platforms allow knowledge sharing within the industry
profession. Thus, surveyors can keep themselves up-to-date with current information about the
industry (Obaga 2013). These social media sites also allow surveyors to engage with potential clients
and suppliers through online engagement. When projects are made to be more transparent through
social media, people will be more interested and willing to partner with the person, as observed by a
surveyor who frequently uses Instagram for work purposes (RICS 2019). Quantity surveyors can also
use these platforms to build relationships with important figures that will benefit their work.
However, the current construction industry is not very supportive of social media as a tool for
business. This is revealed in a study conducted by Mandalia, Badi and Pryke (2018). In the sample of
interviewees, the majority of them concluded that their social media use was purely recreational.
Another finding done by Perera, Victoria, and Brand (2019) on three quantity surveying firms also
demonstrates that the sample had a lack of understanding of the potential of social media integration
with the firm’s goals and objectives.
Synopsis
There are not a lot of benefits that can be realised for quantity surveyors within a construction firm
other than the ones mentioned above. This is most likely due to many hurdles such as age of
employees, reduced productivity and the reluctance of the firm to adopt a social media usage policy.
Employees within these firms are encouraged to spend less time on social media and more on work.
In 2013, the Office for National Statistics revealed that only 20% of construction companies have
implemented social media within the firm (Perera, Victoria, and Brand 2019). As such, quantity
surveyors can only use social media as a tool to communicate and advertise, and not much else.
However, independent quantity surveyors, specialists and quantity surveying firms are more likely to
harness the full potential of social media in their work. These less restrictive, freelance-like working
conditions mean that marketing and advertising is crucial for them to be noticed by construction
firms. Thus, social media is a very important tool for these independent surveyors. Twitter and
LinkedIn can be imperative to creating new business relationships. Tabibi, a quantity surveyor, has
also used Instagram to secure supply chain contacts (RICS 2019). Various testimonials by people
within the RICS LinkedIn Group have further cemented the fact that social media is an opportunity
for them to achieve success. For instance, Allen, a chartered surveyor, has been put on a tender list
through being in contact with senior officials on Twitter. Other similar stories can be heard within the
group, such as sourcing better suppliers and contractors, increased website traffic and consultation by
potential clients, and building bigger networks (RICS 2019).
Conclusion
It is clear that, independent quantity surveyors and quantity surveying firms have benefitted from
social media greatly, and they will continue to do so in the future. However, for quantity surveyors
working in construction firms, there is still potential but the firms have to first acknowledge the
importance and benefits that social media brings to the workplace, so that quantity surveyors can
utilise it to the full potential. Key areas which can drastically improve productivity within a firm like
knowledge management can only be realised through proper implementation of social media in the
workplace. If social media is to see more use in the construction industry, particularly for quantity
surveyors, firms really need to overcome the barriers of implementing social media within the firm.
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