Untangling the Concepts of Value and Values

Abstract

The concept of value is widely used in lean construction (LC) literature, but researchers and practitioners lack a common understanding of the term. This is partially due to confusion between value (singular) and values (plural), which are two different concepts. This paper aims to provide a clear and concise understanding of the two concepts of value and values, separating them from each other and explaining their relationship. Furthermore, the paper discusses and exemplifies what these two concepts themselves entail. In doing so, the paper also introduces new terminology relevant for understanding and describing value and values in construction projects. Finally, the paper concludes that value and values research should be more precise in terminology than current literature.