The merits of client accociations

This chapter focuses on the role and function of a relatively new phenomenon: client associations in the construction sector. The term ‘construction client association’ is used as a common denominator for construction client networks, associations and forums. There are not many client associations worldwide, though there are a number of property associations, but these rarely focus on construction. Investigating the evolution of construction client associations and their agendas may provide insights and stimulate the professionalisation of client roles and client associations in the dynamic construction sector. The insights generated may be of interest to active clients in the sector that consider founding or participating in a client association. Thus, the aim here is to provide insights into how national client associations seek to contribute to the professionalisation of the construction client role in the dynamic construction environment. In doing so, this chapter intends to fill the knowledge gap identified in the CIB W118 Research Roadmap (Haugbølle and Boyd, 2013).